It is well known that already since the Bronze Age, Cyprus was a major centre for the production and trade of copper. The island kept this role for almost three millennia until the end of the Late Roman period. The most convincing evidence for the extent and the duration of the copper mining industry in Cyprus, is constituted by the 40 ancient slag heaps scattered around the foothills of the Troodos mountains, which are estimated to consist of about 4 million tons. The long duration of the copper industry was not only due to the rich copper ore deposits, but also to the fact that the forests of Troodos could provide all the fuel needed for the energy consuming processes. The importance of the analysis of archaeological plant macroremains as a means for studying socio-economic, cultural and environmental aspects has long been recognized and used in the study of archaeological sites. However, in Cyprus, little is known concerning the timber used in ancient mining activities and the wood used for fuel in the smelting furnaces.

The general aim of the "WOODLAND" project is to investigate the socio-economical importance of forests in ancient Cyprus in relation to the copper industry (wood species used as fuel for copper smelting over time, local availability, forest management etc.). Other objectives of this program include recording the effects of the exploitation of this natural resource on the environment and eventually, on the economy of the island. A number of slag heaps around the Troodos mountains were selected for systematic recording and for collection of charcoal samples, the anthracological study of which will enable us to answer these questions.