An extensive underwater archaeological survey was conducted from October 7-11, 2024, near the ancient site of Asini, located east of Tolo in the Argolid region.
The area, which has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times due to its advantageous coastal position, has yielded remarkable findings that shed light on its historical significance.
The excavation is part of a five-year research project that began in 2022, following a pilot study in 2021. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, the Swedish Institute of Athens, and Stockholm University, with additional contributions from the University of Gothenburg and the Nordic Maritime Group.
The Greek team was led by Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou, a diving archaeologist with the Ephorate of Maritime Antiquities, while the Swedish side was directed by Professor Ann-Louise Schallin (Scientific Director, University of Stockholm) and Dr. Niklas Eriksson (Field Director, University of Stockholm). Other key participants included Ms. Ekaterini Tagonidou, Diving Architect-Engineer, Mr. Themistoklis Troupakis, Diving Engineer TE, BA Jens Lindström from the Nordic Maritime Group, and MA Staffan Von Arbin from the University of Gothenburg.
Previous surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022 had already revealed the existence of an extensive artificial port facility east of Kastraki. The primary structure comprises a large artificial plateau submerged in shallow waters. Indications suggest that structures resembling houses once stood atop this plateau. These findings were documented using photogrammetry in 2022, though further research was deemed necessary to determine the exact dating of the port’s construction.
The 2024 excavation focused on the northwestern section of the artificial platform, an area that has retained much of its original form. Covering 16 square metres, the excavation was documented using advanced photogrammetric techniques to capture the site’s rich archaeological diversity. The research uncovered significant remains of the stone-built port facility, including collapsed architectural elements such as large stones and processed building materials. Particularly noteworthy were amphora fragments embedded in the stone structures and broken pottery discovered in sector 4A. These finds may offer crucial insights into the period of the port’s construction, use, and eventual abandonment.
Moving forward, researchers plan to conduct further excavations on the upper section of the platform. This phase will involve manual excavation combined with dredging techniques to remove sediments while preserving artefacts and architectural remains. All findings will be meticulously documented using photogrammetry.
The results of this groundbreaking research will be published in Opuscula, the scientific journal of the Swedish Institutes of Athens and Rome, as well as other esteemed academic publications. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide a deeper understanding of Asini’s maritime history and its role in ancient trade and settlement patterns.
(Source: Greek Ministry of Culture)