A palynological study of a 5 m long core from Lake Kinneret, Israel, shows evidence of vegetational changes during the last 5300 years, interpreted to be mainly the result of human activities. The apparently still intact forest which surrounded the lake until the end of the 3rd millennium B.C. was heavily decimated in the course of the 2nd and 1st millennium B.C., following which large scale olive cultivation was practised in the area. After ca. 550 A.D., with the abandonment of the olive groves, the natural forest regenerated, reflecting in the process effects of ongoing anthropogenic pressure. As a result of renewed forest clearing activities during the last 250 years, the forest contracted again, reexpanding slightly during the last several decades as a result of steps taken towards its restoration. The interpretation of the pollen diagram is supported by archaeological and historical evidence.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Uri Baruch (1986) studied this question.