Résumé
A section of the Roman necropolis of Olisipo (Lisbon, Portugal), dating from the 1st century CE to the 4th century CE, was identified in 2016 at Calçada do Lavra, in the northwestern part of the ancient city. Ninety-three samples from primary and secondary cremation contexts were collected for an archaeobotanical study aimed at better understanding the role of plants in the Roman cremation ritual. The anthracological results revealed a predominance of Pinus pinaster, prompting a discussion of whether the selection of firewood prioritised local availability, functional properties, or symbolic meaning. Species of economic interest, such as Ficus carica and Olea europaea, were also recorded in significant numbers, suggesting the presence of arboricultural practices in the vicinity of the city. Finally, several seeds and fruits were also found, including the first evidence of Myrtus communis fruits in a cremation context in the geographical and chronological framework of the Roman Empire.Overall, the selection of wood seems well-suited to the practical requirements of building funeral pyres. However, the presence of charcoal and carpological remains of fragrant plants and species with well-known symbolic value in the Roman world suggests that the fuel and offerings used in the pyres served sensory and ritualistic purposes.