Vegetation Analysis as a Source of Historic Information – The Case of Madeira Island

The Island of Madeira is situated in the Atlantic Ocean (32°23′N–33°07′N, 16°15′W–17°15′W) and has officially been discovered in 1419 by captain Zarco and his crew. The abundant vegetation cover they encountered upon arrival promised fertile soils and sufficient water supply for prosperous agricultural activity, which led to a quick colonization of the island in the following years.