An international team of underwater archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery by unearthing key remains of ancient port infrastructure that promise to reconstruct an understanding of Mediterranean maritime history at the submerged location of Asini near Toro in Argolis, Greece.
This study is part of a broader underwater archaeological initiative that began in 2022, and is a joint effort that includes the Greek underwater bones, the Swedish Institute in Athens, the University of Stockholm, the University of Wotenburg, and the Nordic Maritime Group. Under the leadership of Greek archaeologists, Dr. Panagiota Galiat, along with Swedish experts, Professor Anne Louise Shalin and Dr. Niklas Erikson, carefully examined the important areas of the submerged port.
Fieldwork in 2024 was concentrated on the northwest edge of the submerged artificial platform. Using high-resolution photogrammetry, archaeologists have detailed recordings of 16 square meters sections, revealing important architectural ruins that demonstrate the infrastructure of the ancient port. The findings include numerous stones and fragments of construction materials, suggesting a gradual collapse of the structure over time.
Among the most interesting finds were ceramic fragments, including the amphora Ostra embedded in the stone structure and the broken container in an area designated as “Sector 4a.” These artifacts are expected to provide important insight into dating submerged ports, and may link them to periods when the platform is operational or after its abandonment.
Azini boasts a continuing professional history dating back to prehistoric times, complicating efforts to identify the exact date of construction of artificial ports. However, new findings reinforce the hypothesis that this infrastructure is essential for maritime trade throughout various historic periods. Previous excavations in 2021 and 2022 already show the widespread size of the port, with the main structure being composed of large artificial platforms in shallow waters, revealing that there are signs of rooms and buildings that suggest multifunctional use other than mere trade.
In the future, the archaeological team plans to carry out further excavations at the top of the artificial platform. This next stage involves careful sediment removal both by hand and through controlled dr to reveal additional structural elements.
The results of the 2024 excavation campaign will be published in Opuscula, a scientific journal edited by the Swedish Institutes in Athens and Rome, along with other specialized publications focusing on archaeology and maritime research. The Asini discoveries are poised to provide essential clues regarding ancient maritime trade and port facilities construction, increasing an understanding of how ancient civilization interacted with the maritime environment.
As research continues, Asini’s location may further reveal the complexity of ancient trade networks and the architectural ingenuity of past societies, highlighting the enduring importance of this submerged port in the rich historical tapestry of the Mediterranean.
Source: Arkeonews.net