17 September 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Archaeologists Uncover Asini’s Hidden Ancient Port Beneath the Waves of Greece

An international team of underwater archaeologists has made a groundbreaking discovery at the submerged site of Asini, near Tolo in Argolis, Greece, unearthing significant remnants of an ancient port infrastructure that promises to reshape our understanding of Mediterranean maritime history.

This research is part of a broader underwater archaeological initiative that began in 2022, a collaborative effort involving the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of Greece, the Swedish Institute at Athens, Stockholm University, the University of Gothenburg, and the Nordic Maritime Group. Under the leadership of Greek archaeologist Dr. Panagiota Galiatsatou, alongside Swedish experts Prof. Ann-Louise Schallin and Dr. Niklas Eriksson, the team meticulously examined a key area of the submerged harbor.

The 2024 fieldwork concentrated on the northwestern edge of a submerged artificial platform, an area previously identified as retaining much of its original form. Utilizing high-resolution photogrammetry, the archaeologists documented a 16-square-meter section in detail, uncovering significant architectural remains indicative of the ancient port’s infrastructure. The findings included numerous stones and fragments of construction materials, suggesting a gradual collapse of the structure over time.

Among the most intriguing discoveries were ceramic fragments, including ostraca from amphorae embedded within the stone structures and a broken vessel located in an area designated as “Sector 4A.” These artifacts are expected to provide critical insights into the dating of the submerged port, potentially linking them to the period when the platform was operational or to the time following its abandonment.

The departure point consisted of an anchored boat near the excavation site in Asini. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece
The departure point consisted of an anchored boat near the excavation site in Asini. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

Asini boasts a continuous occupation history dating back to prehistoric times, complicating efforts to pinpoint the exact construction date of the artificial port. However, the new findings bolster the hypothesis that this infrastructure was vital for maritime trade throughout various historical epochs. Previous excavations in 2021 and 2022 had already indicated the extensive size of the port, revealing that the main structure consists of a large artificial platform in shallow waters, with indications of rooms or buildings that suggest a multifunctional use beyond mere trade.

Looking ahead, the archaeological team plans to conduct further excavations on the upper section of the artificial platform. This next phase will involve careful sediment removal, both by hand and through controlled dredging, to uncover additional structural elements. All findings will be documented in situ using advanced 3D imaging techniques, allowing for high-precision models that facilitate further analysis without disturbing the original context of the artifacts.

Ceramic fragments, including amphora pieces embedded in stone structures. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece
Ceramic fragments, including amphora pieces embedded in stone structures. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

The results from the 2024 excavation campaign are set to be published in the scientific journal Opuscula, edited by the Swedish Institutes of Athens and Rome, along with other specialized publications focused on archaeology and maritime studies. The discoveries at Asini are poised to provide essential clues about ancient maritime trade and the construction of port facilities, enhancing our understanding of how ancient civilizations interacted with their maritime environments.

As the research continues, the site of Asini may yield further revelations about the complexities of ancient trade networks and the architectural ingenuity of past societies, underscoring the enduring significance of this submerged port in the Mediterranean’s rich historical tapestry.

Ministry of Culture of Greece

Cover Image Credit: Fieldwork on the seabed at the submerged port in the ancient Greek city of Asini. Credit: Ministry of Culture of Greece

Related Articles

A still life fresco discovered in new excavations of Pompeii Regio IX

28 June 2023

28 June 2023

Archaeologists excavating the ancient city of Pompeii have uncovered a gorgeous still-life fresco depicting a platter covered in food and...

Vindolanda marks the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall with an altar discovery

9 February 2022

9 February 2022

The excavation season hasn’t started yet, but the Vindolanda Roman fort has kicked off Hadrian’s Wall’s 1900th anniversary year with...

A woman who had brain surgery 9500 years ago will be brought revived

12 September 2021

12 September 2021

A “revival” effort is underway on a woman’s skull unearthed in 1989 during archaeological digs at the Aşıklı Mound in...

1000-year-old Cats and Babies mummies of Turkey’s

30 March 2022

30 March 2022

Cat, baby, and adult mummies in Aksaray, which took its place in history as Cappadocia’s gateway to the west on...

4,000 Years of Wisdom: Women’s Rights and Inheritance in the Kültepe Tablets

8 March 2025

8 March 2025

The Kültepe Tablets, discovered in the ancient site of Kültepe (ancient Kanesh) in central Anatolia, are approximately 4,000 years old...

During the demolition work, a 2,500-year-old bull heads alto relievo was discovered in Sinop

20 April 2022

20 April 2022

During the demolition work of the buildings in front of the historical city walls for the City Square National Garden...

2400-year-old artifacts discovered in the Black Sea’s first scientific underwater excavation

25 March 2024

25 March 2024

Dozens of historical artifacts dating from the 4th century BC to the 12th century AD were unearthed in the first...

Neo-Assyrian Writing Boards: The Role of Beeswax, Orpiment, and Carbon Black in 7th Century BC Writing Techniques

13 April 2025

13 April 2025

Recent scientific investigations into the writing boards excavated from the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud have shed new light on...

Treasure Hunter Claims to Find First Council of Nicaea’s Location, Demands $50 Million for Discovery

26 April 2025

26 April 2025

In a startling revelation, Mustafa Uysal, a treasure hunter from Bursa, has claimed to have unearthed an underground city in...

Bronze age settlement found under in Swiss lake

23 April 2021

23 April 2021

For the first time, archaeologists discovered traces of a Bronze Age lakeside village beneath the surface of Lake Lucerne. The...

Unique Two-Faced Gold Ring Unearthed in Poland

10 February 2024

10 February 2024

A gold ring with an unusual two-faced design, likely to be from the 11th or 12th century, has been discovered...

Mustatil Structures in Arabia May Be 7,000-Year-Old Stone Remnants of Cattle Cult

1 May 2021

1 May 2021

Archaeologists examining the mustatil stone remains in the northwest of Arabia think that these stone remains may have been used...

One Of The Largest And Most Significant Iron Age Hoards Ever Discovered In The UK Has Been Unveiled

26 March 2025

26 March 2025

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, the Melsonby Hoard has emerged as one of the most significant Iron Age discoveries in...

Tomb of a Roman doctor buried with unique surgical tools unearthed in Hungary

28 April 2023

28 April 2023

Hungarian archaeologists discovered the tomb of a Roman doctor 1st-century man buried with high-quality surgical tools near the city of...

‘Frankfurt Silver Inscription’ Archaeologists Unearth Oldest Christian Artifact North of the Alps

13 December 2024

13 December 2024

An ancient silver amulet unearthed in Frankfurt pushes back Christianity’s history in the region by 50 to 100 years. The...