The archaeological studies at Pompeii have been ongoing for many years, and so much has been learned about the plant life in the area at the time Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. Highlights on some of those useful plant species are discussed below.

Beech trees are magnificent. The nuts are absolutely delicious and are my favorite among all the nuts even though they are often worm. Oil is extracted from beech nuts.

Beeches are also a valuable source of high quality wood. This is sometimes made into charcoal. The tree also yields tar and creosote.

The Spanish chestnut is a highly prized tree for there is great demand for the wonderful nuts. These are sometimes roasted and made into a coffee-like drink. These nuts can also be made into flour. Oil can also be extracted from chestnuts. Chestnut bark is used for tanning, while the wood has many uses.

The various kinds of oak trees serve many purposes. The wood is highly prized for furniture and other items. It has also been made into charcoal and used in tanning. The cork oak is a source of cork

The acorns of some species are edible. In some cases, these also serve as an animal feed as well, Even the galls on the leaves of some species serve a role as well for they have been used in tanning.

The Birches

The birches are one of the most useful tree species. The wood is in demand for many uses. The stems are used for building bridges and making simple garden furniture. Juice from the sap has served as a hair ointment.

In times of famine, some Europeans have resorted to eating birch bark. The bark is also made into various items, such as baskets, roof coverings, mats, and boxes.

Tar from some species is used as a dressing for leather and as a wood polish The leaves serve as a dye. Sap from the plant is used in making wine.

There is even a use for the soot, which has been used in paint. Oil distilled from the wood and bark is used medicinally as an antiseptic and in skin and body preparations