Asine - 2025

Argolis - Asine. Niklas Eriksson (Stockholm University), Panagiota Galiatsatou  and Ann-Louise Schallin (Stockholm University) report on an ​​​​​underwater archaeological excavation, which was carried out outside the archaeological site Asine, east Tolo, Argolis. This is year 4 of a synergasia between the Greek Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, the SIA, and Stockholm University, with additional participants from Gothenburg University and the company Nordic Maritime Group.

Among the most significant findings from the 2021 and 2022 fieldwork was that the submerged harbour structures east of Kastraki proved to be larger and more complex than previously thought. In 2023 and 2024, test trenches were excavated in the seabed in direct connection to the harbour structure in an attempt to identifying cultural layers and/or artefacts that could be used to date the harbour structure.

The 2025 research season focused on dating and further investigating the structures located on top of the submerged harbour structure at Asini in order to clarify their function. Although the platform initially appears to be a simple accumulation of stones, detailed study of 3D models and underwater surveys revealed distinct stone-built structures, identifiable by their shape and the uniform size of their stones. Attempts to date these structures by removing stones yielded very limited results, with only two ceramic sherds found. The research suggests that the roughly square features on the platform belong to different construction phases and are most likely the remains of pier foundations built using wooden caissons filled with stones; after the wood decayed, only the stone elements remained. These caisson structures appear to be later additions to the platform itself. The platform is believed to date to the Roman period, based on amphora fragments, and likely functioned originally as a quay extending above sea level. As sea levels rose, it became submerged, and new pier structures were constructed on top of it to allow the continued use of the harbor for loading, unloading, and boarding. Ongoing analysis of 3D data and previously collected material is expected to improve understanding of the structure and its role within the ancient harbor of Asini.