Discovery of Ancient Port Infrastructure at Asini: Findings That Reshape Mediterranean Maritime History

A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the submerged site of Asini, located near Tolo in Argolis, Greece, where an international team of underwater archaeologists has uncovered significant remnants of an ancient port infrastructure. This finding is expected to transform our understanding of maritime history in the Mediterranean.

The research is part of a larger underwater archaeological project that commenced in 2022, involving collaboration between 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 guidance of Greek archaeologist Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou, along with Swedish experts Prof. Ann-Louise Schallin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, the team has meticulously explored a crucial area of the submerged harbor.

In 2024, the fieldwork concentrated on the northwestern edge of a submerged artificial platform, an area noted for preserving much of its original structure. Using high-resolution photogrammetry, the archaeologists documented a 16-square-meter section in detail, revealing significant architectural remains that point to the ancient port’s infrastructure. The findings included numerous stones and fragments of construction materials, indicating a gradual deterioration of the structure over time.

Among the most fascinating discoveries were ceramic fragments, including ostraca from amphorae found within the stone structures and a broken vessel located in a section referred to as “Sector 4A.” These artifacts are anticipated to provide vital insights into the dating of the submerged port, potentially linking them to the period of its operation or the time following its abandonment.

Asini has a continuous history of occupation dating back to prehistoric times, complicating efforts to determine the exact construction date of the artificial port. Nevertheless, the new findings support the theory that this infrastructure played a crucial role in maritime trade across various historical periods. Previous excavations conducted 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 signs of rooms or buildings suggesting multifunctional uses beyond mere trade.

Looking forward, 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 manually 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.

The results from the 2024 excavation campaign are expected 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 set 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 research continues, the site of Asini may reveal further insights into the complexities of ancient trade networks and the architectural ingenuity of past societies, highlighting the enduring significance of this submerged port in the rich historical narrative of the Mediterranean.

Ministry of Culture of Greece

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