Submerged secrets

The world’s oldest submerged town is about to give up its secrets — with the help of equipment that could revolutionise underwater archaeology. The ancient town of Pavlopetri lies in three to four metres of water just off the coast of southern Laconica in Greece. The ruins date from at least 2,800 BC and include intact buildings, courtyards, streets, chamber tombs and some 37 graves which are thought to belong to the Mycenaean period (c1,600-100 BC). This Bronze Age period provides the historical setting for much Ancient Greek literature and myth, including Homer’s Age of Heroes. Dr Jon Henderson, of the Underwater Archaeology Research Centre in the Department of Archaeology, will be the first to have official access to the site in 40 years. Despite its potential international importance, no work has been carried out at the site since it was first mapped in 1968. Dr Henderson has had to get special permission from the Greek government to examine the submerged town.

Although Mycenaean power was largely based on their control of the sea, little is known about the workings of the harbour towns of the period. To date, archaeology has focused on the better-known inland palaces and citadels.
Pavlopetri was presumably once a thriving harbour town where the inhabitants conducted local and long distance trade throughout the Mediterranean. Its sandy and well-protected bay would have been ideal for beaching Bronze Age ships. As such, the site offers major new insights into the workings of Mycenaean society.

The aim of Dr Henderson’s project is to discover the history and development of Pavlopetri, find out when it was occupied, what it was used for and — through a systematic study of the geomorphology of the area — establish why the town disappeared under the sea. He said: “This site is of rare international archaeological importance. It is imperative that the fragile remains of this town are accurately recorded and preserved before they are lost forever. A fundamental aim of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of the site and ensure that it is ethically managed and presented to the public in a way which is sustainable and of benefit to both the development of tourism and the local community.”

The survey, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, will be carried out using equipment originally developed for the military and offshore oilfield market.