An international team of underwater archaeologists recently completed a new phase of excavations at the submerged site of Asini, near the coastal village of Tolo in Argolis, Greece, focusing on the seabed near the northwestern edge of an artificial platform. The research was conducted between October 7 and 11, 2024, as part of an underwater archaeological program that has been underway since 2022, following pilot research conducted in 2021.
Under the direction of Greek archaeologist Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou and Swedish specialists Professor Ann-Louise Schallin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, the team conducted a study of the seabed in a key area of the ancient harbor. "Our focus was the northwestern edge of the submerged artificial platform at Asini," Dr. Galiatsatou said, according to ANT1 News.
The fieldwork revealed remains of ancient port infrastructure. The main structure consists of a large artificial platform located in shallow waters, and the new discoveries reinforce the hypothesis that the infrastructure played a crucial role in maritime trade in the region during historical periods.
In a 16-square-meter area, archaeologists used high-resolution photogrammetry to document in detail the structural remains and materials found. "The diversity and variety of archaeological ensembles required meticulous documentation," Dr. Eriksson noted. Numerous stones and fragments of construction materials were identified, suggesting a partial collapse of the structure over time, including fallen material such as processed building materials.
Among the most notable findings are amphora fragments found within the stone structures. These ceramic fragments could provide key clues for dating the construction of the artificial port. "These finds can therefore be used as indicators in the discussion regarding the dating of the construction of the artificial port," added Dr. Galiatsatou, according to Archaiologia.gr.
On the artificial platform, remains that could correspond to rooms or buildings were detected, possibly in the form of houses. The team believes that these remains suggest the port facility may have had a more complex use than initially thought. "It is believed that the remains correspond to objects used while the platform was still in operation or to elements left behind after the port was abandoned," Professor Schallin explained.
The team's next objective will be to conduct new excavations on the upper part of the artificial platform, which includes conducting one or possibly two trenches at the top of the platform. "Any objects and architectural remains will be recorded in situ using photogrammetry," Dr. Galiatsatou stated, as per ANT1 News. Sediments will be carefully removed by hand and through controlled dredging.
The research program is a collaboration between the Hellenic Ministry of Culture's Underwater Antiquities Ephorate, the Swedish Institute at Athens, and Stockholm University, involving the Department of Archaeology at the University of Gothenburg and the company Nordic Maritime Group.
"The continuous occupation of Asini complicates the determination of the exact construction date of the artificial port," Dr. Eriksson remarked.
The findings from the 2024 campaign will be published in the scientific journal Opuscula, edited by the Swedish Institutes of Athens and Rome. The team also plans to publish the findings in other specialized publications on archaeology and maritime studies.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.
