Underwater archaeological explorations along the Crimean south coast
Sergey Zelenko,
Since 1991 the Underwater Archaeology Research and Training
Center of Kiev University have been conducting underwater explorations on the
shelf of the Crimean south coast between the modem cities of Yalta and Alushta.
Along this section of the coast there were ancient settlements (Lampas, Charax,
Aluston, Gurzuvity, Partenit) which are known to us through written sources and
maps and also through archaeological prospection and excavation. Until recently,
underwater prospection along the Crimean south coast had not been carried out.
Только у нас фестул сайт доступен круглосуточно. During the underwater survey we use the following technique:
band searching with bottom observation along ropes stretched at a distance of
one meter. Sectors that lie far away from the coast are marked by buoys, and
divers use compasses or go along a marked rope. Their movement is monitored by
using attached signal buoys. While on the route, bottom observation and depth
measurement are carried out. Sites of significant findings are marked with buoys
and plotted using a theodolite.
Пленка для мебели самоклеющаяся интернет магазин харьков. Along the investigated part of the coast a substantial
accumulation of archaeological material was discovered only near Cape Plaka. It
is situated at a depth of б -12 meters on
the submerged coastal slope. The materials discovered are the main categories of
ceramics typical for land settlement. The toes of Panticapaeum and Heraclea
amphorae of the 4th and 3th centuries ВС
are the earliest archaeological materials. Later materials are represented by
Medieval amphorae of the 12th and 14th centuries AD and also by glazed vessels
of the 15th and 16th centuries AD. In the course of five years we have amassed a
considerable collection of amphorae of different types. Ninety five percent of
all finds consist of imported ware, indicating widespread trade relations and of
the settlement.
On the eastern side of Cape Plaka in a reef region at a depth
of 10 meters an accumulation of large fragments of amphorae of the same type was
discovered. Most of these fragments can be fitted to whole vessels. At the same
site whole amphorae and leaden sheets of the 7th century AD were also found. All
these materials indicate a shipwreck site. The sector near the Adalary rocks to
the southwest of Cape Aju-Dagh is of special interest. An unusual wind regime on
the southern side of the main ridge of the Crimean mountains, and complicated
hydrologic situations near the rocks makes this area especially dangerous for
coastal navigation. Anchors, numerous fragments of antique and Medieval ceramics
(4th century ВС -15th century AD) were
found during inspection. A significant number of intact vessels among the finds
and their location indicate multiple wrecks. Nevertheless, it is still difficult
to determine the exact number of wrecks. According to preliminary estimates
there might be 5 - 6 ships sunken in this area.
Analysis of the finds allows us to define more precisely the
geographical borders and chronological periods of settlements that were known
from archaeological prospection, and provide an opportunity to resolve the issue
of the location of ancient Lampas. The fact of the founding of the settlement
was mentioned in the 2nd century ВС by
pseudo-Scymnus of Chios. Later it is mentioned in "Periplus Ponti Euxini"
by Ps.-Arrian in the 2nd century AD, and subsequently in Periplus Anon. (5th -
6th centuries AD)
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