Dietary analysis of Piraino 1, Sicily, Italy: the role of archaeopalynology in forensic science

► We analyzed a mummy from Piraino Mother Church, in the province of Messina, Sicily. ► Radiological paleopathological analysis identified lesions typical of multiple myeloma. ► Coprolite analysis revealed food residue including wheat, pine nuts, grapes and other fruit. ► The pollen spectrum was dominated by Polygala with medicinal value specifically for tumor reduction. ► Background arboreal pollen was nearly absent. This indicates that Piraino 1 died during months of low pollination.