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Mapping Seemingly Insignificant Artifacts
Among the large architectural and hydraulic features that the divers recovered were hundreds of tiny fragments of ancient Greek amphorae (liquid holding containers), Phoenician pots, Egyptian vases, and household artifacts made of Roman stones. While these items might at first sound insignificant compared with the grandeur of the greater discovery, they are of huge archaeological significance.
Not only will these finds be jigsawed together by scientists to determine the life cycle of the ports that existed at the time, but they will also be used to help map the origins of the clay fragments. Knowing where the pottery fragments came from will allow the researchers to rebuild a map of the ancient maritime trade routes that connected this ancient port with the greater Mediterranean economy.
Russia scientists discover ancient Roman port off Syria coast
Model of a Syrian archaeological site city [BAKR ALKASEM/AFP via Getty Images] January 28, 2021 at 3:19 pm
An ancient port believed to date back to the Roman-era has been discovered off the Syrian coast of Tartus, according to an announcement by Dmitry Tatarkov, the director of the Centre for Marine Research and Technology at Russia s Sevastopol State University (SSU). It may not have even been a port, but it is a sea fortress from the 1st century AD. Remains of hydraulic structures, a lighthouse, and four marble columns have been found. Accompanying ceramic materials will allow for a more detailed dating of the piece. This is a major finding, said Tatarkov.