Russians discover sunken ancient fortress in Syria

Russian underwater archaeologists from Sevastopol National Technical University have discovered a sunken ancient Roman fortress off the coast of Syria.

During the second research season, a Russian-Syrian scientific team led by Dmitry Tatarkov, director of the Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Sevastopol University, located in the waters surrounding Tartus the remains of a sunken port and fortress dating back to the Roman Empire.

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It may not even have been a harbour, but it is a sea fortress from the 1st century AD. Remains of hydraulic structures, a lighthouse and four marble columns were found. The discovered fragments of ceramics, among other things, will allow more precise dating to be carried out. This is an extremely important discovery,” Tatarkov said.

Among the artefacts discovered underwater were the remains of ancient Greek amphorae, Phoenician pots, Egyptian vases and household items that were made of stone.

According to archaeologists, the objects discovered and their thorough examination will provide a better understanding of the maritime trade routes linking the region to the main centres scattered along the Mediterranean coast.

One hypothesis put forward by the researchers suggests that these may be the ruins of the ancient island of Arvad, which was originally settled by Phoenicians in the early second millennium BC.

Tartus is a city located in Tripoli County on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. It is the second largest port city after Latakia. The port now houses a small Russian naval base, and the port itself has a long and colourful history of military uses. According to UNESCO, Tartus, called Tortosa by the Crusaders, is considered a unique and very representative model of a medieval Syrian-Palestinian city occupied by the Crusaders over two centuries.

The entire research expedition was conducted under an agreement between the Sevastopol university and the Syrian Ministry of Culture. The research teams included both Russian and Syrian specialists.

Through its website, Sevastopol University said that one of the objectives of the next expedition will be to provide advanced training to Syrian professionals and students from Damascus University and Latakia University.