- Location: Near the archaeological site of Asini, close to Tolo in Argolida.
- Time: October 7–11, 2024 marks the recent exploration phase.
- Historical Significance: Inhabited since prehistoric times and rich with history.
- Key Findings:
- Ruins of an ancient port structure.
- Shattered amphorae and hints of life during its prime and fall.
- Future Plans: Further manual excavations at the platform’s peak.
- Who’s Involved: Greek-Swedish collaboration with experts from top institutions.
- Where to Learn More: Full updates coming in “Opuscula” and other journals.
Underwater archaeological research in Asini near Tolo, Argolida (2024) unveiled ancient harbour structures and pottery.
Near the ruins of Asini, just east of Tolo in Argolida, a team of divers swapped snorkelling for science. From October 7 to 11, 2024, they pieced together stories of an ancient harbour now swallowed by the sea.
Nestled in a spot so convenient even Homer might have approved, this site was a bustling hub from prehistoric times onward. Today, its remains reveal tantalising clues about its past life.
What We Know (and What’s Left to Find Out)
Previous Discoveries
Over the past few years, investigators found the remnants of a vast port near Kastraki, including a massive artificial platform. Picture a prime waterfront property but for ancient seafarers. Structures like rooms and what might have been houses were spotted, too. These findings were mapped using photogrammetry back in 2022. But here’s the catch: pinning down when this harbour was built? It’s not so straightforward when the site’s been used for thousands of years.
Latest Dig: Focus and Finds
The 2024 phase-shifted focus to a section of the platform near its northwest edge – the part that looked the best preserved and still kind of remembered its original shape. When archaeologists dug up this 16-square-metre patch, they found:
- Fallen stones—and no, they weren’t tossed there last summer.
- Pottery fragments, including a broken vase and amphora sherds.
- Clues suggesting these were left behind either during the port’s heyday or when it fell out of use (possibly along with its users).
Underwater photogrammetry came to the rescue again to document it all. Good snapshots aren’t just for Instagram—they’re pretty useful in archaeology, too.
Who’s Behind the Scenes at Asini Archaeological Research?
This five-year project has been going strong since 2022, following a pilot study in 2021. It’s a collaboration as international as Eurovision, with Greek and Swedish experts teaming up:
- Dr Panagiota Galiatsatou, diving archaeologist from the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (lead for Greece).
- Professor Ann-Louise Schallin, scientific head from Stockholm University (Swedish lead).
- Dr Niklas Eriksson, fieldwork director, Stockholm University.
- K. Aikaterini Tagonidou, diving architect-engineer, Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities.
- Mr Themistoklis Troupakis, diving technical engineer.
- B.A. Jens Lindström, Nordic Maritime Group.
- M.A. Staffan Von Arbin, University of Gothenburg.
What’s Next?
The next step? More digging—only this time straight into the platform itself. Archaeologists plan to explore its top layers by hand and Hoover (aka dredging, for the fancy term fans). Objects and remains will be recorded with the same photogrammetric precision, ensuring nothing gets left undocumented.
As for findings, watch for publications in the academic journal “Opuscula” or check updates via the Greek Ministry of Culture.
