#MAREMonday 28

On 04.03.2024 we present the 28th session of our online lecture series with a contribution of

Vassilis Papadakis
(MoMArch Alumni)

Reassessment of ancient harbor-city of Asopos (mod. Plytra):
a semi-submerged city in Laconia, South Peloponnese, Greece

Abstract:

The remains of harbor-city installations near the modern settlement of Plytra in Laconia gulf, Xyli bay in southern Peloponnese, are dated in late Hellenistic and Roman period. They are associated with the ancient city of Asopos, a site of great archaeological importance as it was an essential trading post. This is evidenced by the size of the quarrying zones, the villa with mosaics, the multiple Roman baths, as well as the existence of a commercial harbor. Whereas, the Byzantine constructions are restricted parametrically of east bay. Ruins of the ancient city extends all along the entire length of the submerged wack bedrock, with the majority of them being located on the current spit formed coastline, presenting significant pathologies mainly due to the coastal erosion, formation processes and looting.

In order to contextualize the site, non-invasive investigations carried out, reveling more archeological remains and geomorphological indicators. This research aims to highlight the delimitation and interpretation of the port, the primary role in the development of the coastal configuration of the site through time played by the evolution of the relative sea level and the impact of tectonic events.

As the result of the aforementioned research, the sea basin in the east bay is considered the ancient harbor of the settlement. The creation of the mole, demarcating a sandy shore for the mooring and trading exchange of the vessels. Furthermore, the carved foundations of defensive structures at the southeast extremity of the old peninsula could be assessed for the possible re-evaluation of the paleo- shoreline. The frame outlined so far opens up new perspectives on the role of the Asopos in Hellenistic and roman times.