An international team of underwater archaeologists has uncovered ancient port infrastructure in a submerged area near the ancient Greek city of Asini, located close to the village of Tolo in the Argolis prefecture.
This research is part of a large-scale underwater archaeological mission that began in 2022, involving the Greek Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, the Swedish Institute in Athens, Stockholm University, the University of Gothenburg, and the Nordic Maritime Group. Led by archaeologist Panagiota Galiatsatou from Greece, along with Swedish experts Professor Ann-Louise Shalin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, the team meticulously surveyed a key area of the submerged harbor.
The fieldwork focused on the northwestern edge of the submerged artificial platform, previously identified as having preserved the most of its original form. Using high-resolution photogrammetry, the archaeologists thoroughly documented a 16-square-meter area, revealing the ruins of ancient port infrastructure. Researchers discovered numerous stones and fragments of building materials, indicating a gradual deterioration of the structures.
Among the most intriguing finds were ceramic fragments, including ostraca (pottery shards) from amphorae embedded in stone constructions, and a broken vessel found in an area designated as “Sector 4A.” These artifacts are expected to assist scholars in dating the submerged port.
What Else Did the Researchers Report?
The city of Asini boasts a rich history of human habitation that dates back to prehistoric times. This complexity makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact period when the discovered port was constructed, as reported by Arkeonews.
However, the new findings support the hypothesis that this infrastructure was vital for maritime trade throughout various historical epochs. The port undoubtedly covered a significant area, with its main structure consisting of a large artificial platform in shallow waters, as well as multifunctional buildings that extended beyond mere trading activities.
Looking ahead, the archaeological team plans to conduct further excavations at the upper part of the artificial platform. The next phase will involve carefully removing sediment, both manually and through controlled soil extraction. This will expose even more structures currently hidden beneath the surface. All findings will be documented on-site using advanced 3D visualization methods, allowing for the creation of high-precision models that will facilitate further analysis of the artifacts.
The discoveries at Asini provide crucial insights into ancient maritime trade and the construction of port facilities, expanding our understanding of how ancient civilizations interacted with their marine environment.
As research continues, scientists will gain new information about the complexity of ancient trade networks and the architectural ingenuity of Mediterranean communities.
The findings from the excavations will be published in the journal Opuscula.