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The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: The Dark Age of Ancient Scrolls Ends

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The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: The Dark Age of Ancient Scrolls Ends

The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: The Dark Age of Ancient Scrolls Ends

Artificial intelligence, often envisioned for future applications, is now playing a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of the past. Researchers at the University of Oxford have achieved a groundbreaking feat by employing AI to decipher an ancient papyrus scroll that has perplexed scholars for over 250 years.

This remarkable achievement marks a significant leap forward in archaeology, demonstrating the powerful synergy between modern technology and the study of ancient civilizations.

While AI has already revolutionized fields like medicine and astronomy, its integration into archaeology has been relatively nascent. However, this is rapidly changing, as AI proves to be an invaluable tool in historical discoveries.

The recent breakthrough at the University of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, in collaboration with the Vesuvius Challenge, exemplifies this transformative potential.

The scroll in question originated from Herculaneum, a Roman town devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Over the centuries, the papyrus scrolls found at the site had carbonized into fragile, unreadable fragments, presenting a formidable challenge to researchers.

A crucial step forward occurred in July 2024 when the scroll housed at the Bodleian Library was non-destructively scanned using the Diamond Light Source, a synchrotron in Oxfordshire. This advanced scanning technique generated digital images of the scroll’s interior.

The key to this breakthrough lay in the distinct chemical composition of the ink used by the ancient scribe.

Researchers discovered that the ink used in this particular scroll possessed a unique chemical composition, potentially containing lead, which made it more discernible in the X-ray scans compared to other Herculaneum scrolls.

The AI algorithms were specifically trained to identify these subtle signatures of the ink, effectively highlighting the areas where text was present. This targeted detection allowed researchers to differentiate between the blank papyrus and the faint traces of writing.

The AI’s primary function was to detect this distinct ink and highlight the concealed text within the ancient papyrus. It is important to note that the AI did not directly transcribe or translate the text. This crucial task was undertaken by expert paleographers from the Vesuvius Challenge.

The AI served as an indispensable aid, revealing the faint, hidden characters that allowed human scholars to meticulously piece together the ancient Greek writing.

The scans unveiled columns of text, still challenging to interpret but offering tantalizing glimpses into the scroll’s content. Notably, the ancient Greek word “διατροπή,” meaning “disgust,” appeared twice in the initial scans.

While these are early findings, they have generated immense excitement among scholars eager to unlock the full contents of this and other Herculaneum scrolls.

Dr. Brent Seales, co-founder of the Vesuvius Challenge, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled with the success of scanning this scroll at the Bodleian Library.

This scroll contains more recoverable text than any other Herculaneum scroll scanned so far.” He also emphasized that significant work remains to refine their methods and fully decipher the contents.

The Vesuvius Challenge, a global initiative inviting public participation in decoding these ancient texts, underscores the collaborative spirit driving this historical endeavor.

This achievement represents a monumental advancement in archaeological science, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with the secrets of the ancient world.

This successful collaboration between AI and archaeology heralds a new era in our understanding of ancient civilizations. While the complete decipherment of the Herculaneum scrolls is still underway, the potential for future discoveries using similar techniques is immense.

This partnership between technological innovation and historical inquiry provides a compelling model for future archaeological endeavors, promising to unveil further secrets buried within the relics of the past.

The hope remains that we will soon be able to read the ancient texts that have remained hidden for millennia, with artificial intelligence serving as a key to unlocking these invaluable historical treasures.

ASIA, TURKEY, WORLD

2,000-Year-Old Garlanded Sarcophagus Unearthed in City of Gladiators

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2,000-Year-Old Garlanded Sarcophagus Unearthed in City of Gladiators

A remarkably well-preserved, 2,000-year-old sarcophagus adorned with intricate garlands has been discovered during ongoing excavations in the ancient city of Stratonikeia, located in the Yatağan district of Muğla province in southwestern Türkiye.

This site, known as the “City of Gladiators” and listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, is recognized as one of the largest marble cities in the world.

Stratonikeia earned its moniker, the “City of Gladiators,” due to the discovery of an extensive ancient stadium within its boundaries.

This arena used to be the scene of some seriously intense gladiatorial combat, drawing crowds from all over the place.

Plus, they’ve dug up tons of inscriptions and archaeological stuff related to these fights. So, basically, this city was a real hub for those famous Roman gladiators. That’s why it totally earned that cool nickname!

Excavations at Stratonikeia have been ongoing since 1977, revealing significant artifacts from various historical periods, including the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Menteşe Beylik, Ottoman, and Republican eras.

Professor Bilal Söğüt, head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina Excavation Team, shared insights into the latest find, which was discovered in the Agora—a central public space that served as a hub for political, religious, and commercial activities in ancient times.

Professor Bilal Söğüt, head of the Stratonikeia and Lagina Excavation Team, announced the discovery, stating that the sarcophagus was found in the Agora, the ancient city’s central public space used for political, religious, and commercial activities. The excavation in this area focuses on remains from the Late Antiquity period.

“During these excavations, we found a sarcophagus adorned with garlands – a wreath composed of fruits, flowers, and leaves – that had previously been relocated from the Necropolis [the city’s cemetery] and dates back approximately 2,000 years,” Professor Söğüt explained.

He emphasized the exceptional quality of the newly unearthed sarcophagus, calling it “one of the finest examples in the ancient city’s sarcophagus collection.”

Evidence suggests that Stratonikeia was not only a production center for these elaborate stone coffins but also exported them to other regions.

The sarcophagus boasts detailed decorations, including ram heads at its corners and figures of Eros, the god of love, depicted as a child, along with bull heads adorning the central sections.

“This sarcophagus is one of the best examples among garland-decorated pieces, both in terms of the variety of figures and the clarity with which we can date it. With this find, we now have the finest sarcophagus tub discovered in Stratonikeia,” Professor Söğüt noted.

The vividness of the carvings around the sarcophagus is striking. “It is possible to see all the wealth, grandeur, and splendor of 2,000 years ago reflected here,” said Professor Söğüt. “The plants, especially the garlands, are beautifully crafted and richly detailed.

Around the corners, motifs of pinecones, vine and olive leaves, grapes, pomegranates, and poppies are depicted. Even just by looking at the ram heads on the corners, one can sense the richness and magnificence of the era.

The bull heads on the narrow sides and central sections complete the set of intricate decorations.”

The sarcophagus features ram heads, uncovered in the ancient city of Stratonikeia, Muğla, southwestern Türkiye.

Professor Söğüt added that the newly discovered sarcophagus will be put on display alongside other similar artifacts in the ancient city, allowing visitors to witness this remarkable piece of history.

He highlighted that ongoing excavation efforts in Stratonikeia continue to yield significant data, reinforcing its status as a “living archaeological site” with the potential for many more exciting discoveries.

ASIA, ISRAEL, WORLD

Archaeologists Uncover Unique 6th Century Mosaic in Abandoned Byzantine Monastery

Archaeologists Uncover Unique 6th Century Mosaic in Abandoned Byzantine Monastery

Archaeologists Uncover Unique 6th Century Mosaic in Abandoned Byzantine Monastery

A recent excavation report from the Israel Antiquities Authority has revealed the discovery of a well-preserved Byzantine-period monastery and farmhouse in Naḥal Peḥar, located within the modern settlement of Giv‘ot Bar, north of Beersheba.

According to excavator Nir-Shimshon Paran, “The monastery was well-preserved, attesting to the daily life of the monks in the Negev during the Byzantine period. It featured poorly executed mosaic floors, likely laid by the monks themselves.”

“Most of the finds in the monastery were uncovered on the floors, indicating its orderly abandonment in the late Byzantine or early Umayyad period (sixth to seventh centuries CE),” Paran noted. “It is possible that the monastery was abandoned during the transition to the Early Islamic period due to a deterioration in the security situation in the region.”

The monastery complex included a chapel, dining room (refectory), kitchen, service wings, and a winepress. “The main building had thickened walls, giving it the appearance of a fortified structure,” the study reported.

Archaeologists uncover a well-preserved Byzantine monastery in Israel. Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority

One of the most striking discoveries was a unique mosaic in the chapel: “In the center of the mosaic is a Maltese cross, and below it, within a frame, a three-line Greek inscription mentioning the monastery’s name and the names of four monks who lived there.”

Adjacent rooms contained evidence of daily life. “A cone-shaped depression in the mosaic floor likely served to hold a vessel,” Paran noted. Finds included pottery dated to 460–475 CE and a cooking pot from the end of the fifth to seventh centuries.

Two tombs were found in the stone-paved apse: “At the eastern end of the southern tomb was an engraved cross,” according to Paran. Additional items, such as a collapsed chancel-screen post, bronze hook, chains, and glass lamps, suggest that the area was used for liturgical purposes.

A Greek inscription named the monastery and four monks. Credit: Israel Antiquities Authority

The kitchen was identified by an “ash layer (0.1 m thick), indicating a cooking area,” along with work tables. “Below the table, the lower half of a storage jar was sunk into the floor, likely used as a ṭabun (oven).”

The monastery also featured a wine production facility: “In the service wing’s northeastern section, a winepress treading floor (5.7 × 6.0 m) sloping to the south was discovered.” A plastered settling pit and a probable cistern were also excavated.

Inscriptions found included two epitaphs written in red-brown ink, confirming burial use.

Archaeologists uncovered a farmhouse from the same period just south of the monastery. The structure included a rectangular watchtower with a small window. A coin that was found on the floor dates to the first half of the sixth century CE.

“Both the monastery and farmhouse were one-period sites… it seems that both buildings were abandoned at the end of the Byzantine period (end of the sixth/early seventh century CE),” Paran noted.

The findings were published in ‘Atiqot (Volume 116) by the Israel Antiquities Authority. This discovery sheds light on desert monastic life in the region over 1,400 years ago, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of the monks who inhabited the area during the Byzantine era.

EUROPE, WORLD

Archaeologists Unearth 2500-Year-Old Settlement in North Macedonia

Archaeologists Unearth 2500-Year-Old Settlement in North Macedonia

Archaeologists Unearth 2500-Year-Old Settlement in North Macedonia

Recent archaeological excavations at Gradishte, near the village of Crnobuki in North Macedonia, have unveiled a significant ancient settlement that challenges previous assumptions about the site’s historical importance.

Initially thought to be a mere military outpost established to fend off Roman incursions, the findings suggest that Gradishte was, in fact, a thriving city with a rich cultural and economic life, predating the Roman Empire by centuries.

The research, conducted by a collaborative team from Cal Poly Humboldt and Macedonia’s Institute and Museum–Bitola, has revealed that the acropolis of Gradishte spans at least seven acres.

This expansive area has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including stone axes, coins, a clay theater ticket, pottery, game pieces, and textile tools, all of which provide concrete evidence of a prosperous settlement dating back to at least 360 B.C.

Archaeologist Nick Angeloff has even posited that this site may represent the lost capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis, an ancient polity established in the seventh century B.C.

“This discovery is significant,” Angeloff stated. “It highlights the complex networks and power structures of ancient Macedonia, especially given the city’s strategic location along trade routes to Constantinople.

Historical figures such as Octavian and Agrippa may have traversed this area en route to confront Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium.”

This oil lamp, discovered in 2024, was reconstructed and was last used over 2,000 years ago.

The site, first mentioned in literature in 1966, remained largely unexplored until recent years.

Modern archaeological techniques, including ground-penetrating radar and drone-deployed LIDAR, have facilitated a deeper understanding of the settlement’s size and influence.

The discovery of a coin minted during the lifetime of Alexander the Great (325-323 B.C.) has pushed back the timeline of the city’s establishment, suggesting human occupation may date back to the Bronze Age (3,300-1,200 B.C.).

Engin Nasuh, curator-advisor archaeologist at the National Institute and Museum–Bitola, emphasized the importance of these findings: “We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what we can learn about this period. The discoveries not only illuminate North Macedonia’s past but also contribute to a broader understanding of ancient Western civilization.”

The artifacts unearthed at Gradishte, including charcoal and bone samples, have been dated between 360 B.C. and 670 A.D., indicating a long period of habitation and cultural development.

This ancient Macedonian state, one of the earliest modern states in Europe, played a crucial role in shaping the political and cultural landscape of the region.

As the excavation continues, students, faculty, and researchers from both institutions are dedicated to uncovering the full story of this ancient city. Nasuh likened their efforts to assembling a large mosaic, where each new discovery adds a piece to the overall picture of early European civilizations.

The coin, unearthed in 2023, was minted at the Miletus mint in present-day Turkey between 325-323 BCE. Credit: Cal Poly Humboldt

“This ongoing work promises to reveal more about the intricate networks and vibrant culture of ancient Macedonia,” he concluded. “With each subsequent study, we are one step closer to understanding the complexities of our shared history.”

The findings at Gradishte not only reshape our understanding of North Macedonia’s historical narrative but also highlight the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, offering valuable insights into the development of early European states and their lasting influence on the world.

NORTH AMERICA, U.S.A, WORLD

Archaeologists Uncover Evidence of British Rule in Florida

Archaeologists Uncover Evidence of British Rule in Florida

A recent archaeological excavation in St. Augustine, Florida, has revealed a British redoubt dating back to 1781, offering valuable insight into the city’s history during British rule.

Archaeologists Uncover Evidence of British Rule in Florida

Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, St. Augustine served as the capital of La Florida for more than 200 years. Today, it holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States.

The discovery of the redoubt adds a significant chapter to St. Augustine’s rich history, which predates the establishment of the United States. City archaeologists uncovered the fortified military outpost during excavations in the Lincolnville neighborhood, prior to the construction of a new home.

City archaeologist Andrea White stated that St. Augustine experienced a 20-year period of British rule, during which seven redoubts were constructed. She noted that, until recently, no archaeological evidence of these structures had been found, despite having rough ideas of their locations based on historic maps.

The Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish military in the late 1600s, remains a prominent landmark on the western shore of Florida’s Matanzas Bay, now serving as a national monument rather than a military installation. When the British took control of Florida in 1763, St. Augustine already had extensive Spanish-built defenses. However, British officers, concerned about potential attacks from a nearby river, ordered the construction of outposts along the city’s western edge.

White noted that Britain’s relatively brief occupation of St. Augustine, which ended with the American Revolution in 1783, has largely faded from collective memory.

The discovery of the fort serves as a means to reclaim a piece of this lost history. “That’s what’s interesting about these British redoubts; they’re the only defenses that the British built themselves,” she explained. “Everything else that’s in St. Augustine or the surrounding area that everyone’s familiar with was already built by the Spanish. The British just kind of reoccupied them.”

The structure was uncovered thanks to a unique archaeological preservation ordinance adopted by St. Augustine in 1986. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the U.S. To document and preserve its history, the city has its own archaeology program as part of the planning and permitting department.

Lori Lee from Flagler College ready to screen wet soil from the moat. Credit: City of St. Augustine Archaeology Program

White explained that the archaeological team is given the opportunity to document existing structures before construction begins. She emphasized that the goal is not to halt construction but to allow time for documentation and to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s history, after which the project can proceed.

White was aware that the area under development had a long history, dating back to a Native American mission in the early 1700s, followed by an agricultural plantation and later the construction of the Lincolnville neighborhood after the Civil War. “So we knew we had multiple centuries of history that could potentially be on the property, but we’re pretty excited to actually find evidence,” she said. “What we found evidence of was a large moat about 15 feet wide that would have been part of the rampart.”

While researchers found few artifacts at the site and are still determining the fort’s actual size and shape, they did recover thousands of different types of seeds. White mentioned that they are collaborating with a paleoethnobotanist to learn how the structure was built and used. It’s possible that plants like Spanish bayonet or prickly pear cactuses were utilized to prevent erosion or slow down attacking soldiers.

“So we’re very hopeful that we might find some good information from our plant remains that we’ve recovered,” White added.

Jason Heidgerken, the contractor working on the lot where the fort’s moat was discovered, acknowledged that the city’s archaeological program can cause delays. However, he praised White and her team for their effective communication, allowing him to adjust his timelines accordingly.

“I’ve been around St. Augustine since 1980 personally, and part of the attraction is the history,” Heidgerken remarked. “So if you want to live there and do this kind of business, it’s to be expected, and you need to have the patience for it.”

EUROPE, TURKEY, WORLD

Archaeologists Uncover 4,800-Year-Old Bronze Age Tombs in Başur Höyük, Türkiye, Where Teenage Girls Were Ritually Sacrificed

Archaeologists Uncover 4,800-Year-Old Bronze Age Tombs in Başur Höyük, Türkiye, Where Teenage Girls Were Ritually Sacrificed

Archaeologists Uncover 4,800-Year-Old Bronze Age Tombs in Başur Höyük, Türkiye, Where Teenage Girls Were Ritually Sacrificed

As the first civilizations began to emerge in Mesopotamia and Anatolia, significant transformations in social structure, economy, and culture took place. Among the most revealing archaeological sites shedding light on this period is Başur Höyük, an ancient royal cemetery located in eastern Türkiye.

Recent studies indicate that this site offers crucial insights into the origins of inequality during the Bronze Age, situated at the margins of the Mesopotamian world.

Başur Höyük, located in the Siirt province of modern-day Türkiye, has been identified as a significant settlement during the third millennium BCE. Excavations have uncovered monumental tombs belonging to the local elite, which contain exceptional burial goods such as weapons, prestige objects, and offerings.

These findings suggest a clear social differentiation among the region’s inhabitants, indicating that Başur Höyük was a center of local power with strong connections to the major cities of Mesopotamia.

Recent archaeological studies are challenging long-held beliefs about the origins of kingship in Mesopotamia, particularly through findings from Başur Höyük.

Excavations in this region have revealed evidence suggesting that kingship and warrior aristocracies may have emerged much earlier than previously thought, outside of urban centers.

Notably, at Arslantepe on the Malatya Plain of eastern Türkiye, a palace complex dating to around 3300 BC is documented from a non-urban setting, located far from the nearest centers of urban growth in lowland Mesopotamia, where evidence for secular rulership is either negligible or ambiguous at that time.

This finding aligns with recent research indicating that palatial structures may have existed earlier than previously thought, challenging the traditional view that such buildings only appeared after the rise of cities.

Additionally, the site has yielded what is identified as the earliest known “royal tomb,” containing a significant amount of metal weaponry and ornamentation. Surrounding this main burial are subsidiary graves interpreted as ritual sacrifice victims, further emphasizing the complexity of social hierarchies in early societies.

Credit: Başur Höyük Research Project/Cambridge Archaeological Journal 2025

One of the most striking discoveries at the site is evidence of human sacrifices, a practice also documented in other ancient civilizations. Archaeologists have found remains of multiple individuals buried alongside rulers, symbolizing a ritual transition to the afterlife and the maintenance of social order even in death.

Such sacrificial practices were common in hierarchical societies, where leaders utilized these rituals to demonstrate power and reinforce loyalty among their subjects.

Bioarchaeological analyses reveal that the victims were often deliberately selected, predominantly teenage girls, highlighting the stark inequalities present in these early societies.

The burial goods found at Başur Höyük further illustrate the growing inequality in the region during the Bronze Age. Elite tombs contained bronze daggers, spearheads, cylinder seals, and intricate gold and silver jewelry, signifying privileged access to valuable resources and advanced technologies.

These elements support the hypothesis that social inequality did not arise spontaneously but was the result of a gradual process driven by the consolidation of power, resource control, and the institutionalization of class differences.

The analysis of this royal cemetery enhances our understanding of how human societies transitioned from egalitarian systems to highly stratified structures. Positioned between the Mesopotamian cities and the tribal populations of Anatolia, Başur Höyük played a crucial role in the diffusion of ideas, technologies, and power dynamics.

Researchers argue that early state formation in Mesopotamia cannot simply be characterized as a combination of cities, bureaucracy, and dynastic elites. Instead, radical forms of inequality may have originated in small-scale communities before influencing broader political relations.

As new findings continue to emerge from Başur Höyük, they promise to reshape our understanding of the complexities of early social hierarchies and the processes that led to the establishment of inequality in ancient societies.

AFRICA, EGYPT, WORLD

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

A Remarkable Discovery from a Gaza Shipwreck: Olive Pits from 1100 Years Ago

The recent underwater excavations off the coast of Türkiye have unveiled an extraordinary find that has captivated scientists: olive pits from a shipwreck that sank 1100 years ago. This vessel, which set sail from the Gaza coast of Palestine, was caught in a storm near Antalya and ultimately met its fate beneath the waves.

Assoc. Prof. Hakan Öniz and his team found olive pits that had never been encountered before in underwater excavations off the coast of Türkiye.

As part of the ‘Heritage to the Future Project’ initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz and his team began their underwater excavations at a depth of approximately 45-50 meters near Besmi Island, off the coast of Kaş district in Antalya in 2024.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz, who heads the Department of Conservation and Repair of Cultural Assets at Akdeniz University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, explained that their work is part of a broader initiative to establish an Underwater Archaeology Museum in Kemer district.

This project aims not only to conduct scientific research but also to exhibit the artifacts recovered from these underwater sites. He noted that their excavation efforts can span up to 12 months, and they have recently focused on the wreck at Besmi Island, which, while known and accessible to tourists, is situated at a depth that limits diving access.

The shipwreck, dating back to the 9th-10th century A.D., is particularly intriguing due to its cargo. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz revealed that they have identified the wreck as a Philistine ship, loaded with olive oil from Gaza.

He remarked, “1100 years ago, this region was renowned for its olive production. While Gaza often evokes negative associations today, we hope for a brighter future.

This ship, transporting olive oil in amphorae, encountered a storm off the coast of Kaş, struck a small rock or island, and sank.

The wreck is fascinating not only because of its depth but also due to its cargo. In ancient times, ships primarily carried olive oil and wine, but what we discovered from one of the amphorae was truly remarkable.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz emphasized that amphorae from different regions had distinct characteristics, allowing them to ascertain that this shipwreck originated from Palestine based on the amphora typology found within.

A First for Turkey: Unique Finds from the Wreck

The team was particularly excited by the discoveries made within one of the amphorae. “These finds, although known in literature, have never been encountered in amphorae in Turkey before,” he stated.

Using underwater robots, they successfully brought the amphorae to the surface, and over the past year, they have been conducting deep-water excavations. Among the finds were olive pits, a significant discovery that adds to the historical narrative.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz highlighted the importance of olives as a staple food for sailors in antiquity. “For about 5,000 years, olives have been a vital source of sustenance for Mediterranean sailors since the Bronze Age,” he explained.

He noted that sailors required food that could withstand long voyages without spoiling, and olives stored in amphorae could remain edible for months, even when submerged in seawater. Additionally, ships often carried live animals and wheat, which could be processed into flour and baked into bread onboard.

He underscored that most underwater archaeological studies in Turkey are conducted by Akdeniz University, and the olive pits found in this wreck represent a first for the Turkish coast. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Öniz concluded by stating that these remarkable finds will be displayed at the Mediterranean Water Archaeology Museum in Kemer, where the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is preparing to lay the foundation.

EUROPE, GREECE, WORLD

Archaeologists Uncover Asini’s Hidden Ancient Port Beneath the Waves of Greece

Archaeologists Uncover Asini’s Hidden Ancient Port Beneath the Waves of Greece

Archaeologists Uncover Asini’s Hidden Ancient Port Beneath the Waves of Greece

An international team of underwater archaeologists has made a groundbreaking discovery at the submerged site of Asini, near  Tolo in Argolis, Greece, unearthing significant remnants of an ancient port infrastructure that promises to reshape our understanding of Mediterranean maritime history.

This research is part of a broader underwater archaeological initiative that began in 2022, a collaborative effort involving the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of Greece, the Swedish Institute at Athens, Stockholm University, the University of Gothenburg, and the Nordic Maritime Group.

Under the leadership of Greek archaeologist Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou, alongside Swedish experts Prof. Ann-Louise Schallin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, the team meticulously examined a key area of the submerged harbor.

The 2024 fieldwork concentrated on the northwestern edge of a submerged artificial platform, an area previously identified as retaining much of its original form. Utilizing high-resolution photogrammetry, the archaeologists documented a 16-square-meter section in detail, uncovering significant architectural remains indicative of the ancient port’s infrastructure.

The findings included numerous stones and fragments of construction materials, suggesting a gradual collapse of the structure over time.

Among the most intriguing discoveries were ceramic fragments, including ostraca from amphorae embedded within the stone structures and a broken vessel located in an area designated as “Sector 4A.”

These artifacts are expected to provide critical insights into the dating of the submerged port, potentially linking them to the period when the platform was operational or to the time following its abandonment.

The departure point consisted of an anchored boat near the excavation site in Asini. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

Asini boasts a continuous occupation history dating back to prehistoric times, complicating efforts to pinpoint the exact construction date of the artificial port. However, the new findings bolster the hypothesis that this infrastructure was vital for maritime trade throughout various historical epochs.

Previous excavations in 2021 and 2022 had already indicated the extensive size of the port, revealing that the main structure consists of a large artificial platform in shallow waters, with indications of rooms or buildings that suggest a multifunctional use beyond mere trade.

Looking ahead, the archaeological team plans to conduct further excavations on the upper section of the artificial platform. This next phase will involve careful sediment removal, both by hand and through controlled dredging, to uncover additional structural elements.

All findings will be documented in situ using advanced 3D imaging techniques, allowing for high-precision models that facilitate further analysis without disturbing the original context of the artifacts.

Ceramic fragments, including amphora pieces embedded in stone structures. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

The results from the 2024 excavation campaign are set to be published in the scientific journal Opuscula, edited by the Swedish Institutes of Athens and Rome, along with other specialized publications focused on archaeology and maritime studies.

The discoveries at Asini are poised to provide essential clues about ancient maritime trade and the construction of port facilities, enhancing our understanding of how ancient civilizations interacted with their maritime environments.

As the research continues, the site of Asini may yield further revelations about the complexities of ancient trade networks and the architectural ingenuity of past societies, underscoring the enduring significance of this submerged port in the Mediterranean’s rich historical tapestry.

Cover Image Credit: Fieldwork on the seabed at the submerged port in the ancient Greek city of Asini. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

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