Underwater Ruins of Hidden Greek Port City are Full of Surprises, Unveil Intricate Maritime Networks Over Centuries

For centuries, the coastal waters of Greece have covered secrets of its ancient past, remains of bustling trade routes, and long-lost civilizations. Maritime archaeology has often shed light on these submerged histories, revealing stories of commerce, war, and daily life from thousands of years ago, stated Ancient Origins. The study of ancient ports has provided an understanding of how early societies interacted across the Mediterranean, molding economies and cultures. Now, a stellar discovery is rewriting what we know about one of Greece’s lesser-known ancient cities, Asine.

A team of international archaeologists has unraveled important remains of an ancient port city in Asine, near the coastal village of Tolo in Argolis, Greece. This submerged site, which had long been contemplated to exist, is now facilitating fresh details into the intricate maritime networks of the ancient Mediterranean realm. Conducted between October 7 and 11, 2024, this phase of underwater research confirms that Asine was not just a minor settlement but a huge hub for maritime trade spanning several historical periods. The project was led by Greek archaeologist, Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou, along with Swedish researchers, Prof. Ann-Louise Schallin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, stated Greek Reporter.

The findings challenge older assumptions about the level of maritime activity in this region and indicate how crucial Asine was in Mediterranean trade. The excavation, part of an ongoing initiative launched in 2022, focused on the northwestern portion of an artificial platform submerged in shallow waters. The research team used top-notch devices with high resolution to document the site in intricate detail. They unraveled a huge stone foundation, likely part of the port’s infrastructure, along with several construction fragments and destructed sections of what could have been buildings or storage facilities. These discoveries suggest that Asine’s port was way more complex than earlier thought, according to Archaeology.Org.

One of the most prominent findings was a collection of ceramic fragments, including amphora pieces embedded within the stone structures in an area known as "Sector 4A," stated Ancient Origins. The mere presence of these amphorae highlights the fact that there was active trade and transport of goods such as olive oil and wine. Intriguingly, these findings can help analyze the port’s functioning and key reasons behind the decline. Moreover, after further research, the bigger picture of the economic and social networks of Asine will also be revealed. Asine’s history dates back to prehistoric times, making it challenging to pinpoint exactly when the port was constructed and when it fell into the dark abyss. However, previous research indicates that it played a major role in regional trade for centuries.

Moreover, earlier studies from 2021 to 2022 had already mapped the port’s intricate layout, and this latest excavation has further cemented its significance. Looking ahead, the research team plans to concoct a plan to conduct additional excavations on the upper section of the artificial platform, using manual sediment removal and controlled dredging to unravel more structures. The research will be documented in full detail using advanced 3D imaging techniques, making sure there is zero to no disturbance to the site. The results of this groundbreaking study will be published in the scientific journal Opuscula, produced by the Swedish Institutes at Athens and Rome, stated Greek Reporter.