A recent underwater archaeological survey off the coast of Salamis has unearthed significant remnants of the ancient city, revealing its architectural grandeur and historical importance.
The ongoing exploration, spearheaded by the Institute of Marine Archaeological Research (I.M.A.R.) and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture's Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, marks the eighth consecutive year of systematic investigation in the historical Straits of Salamis.
Led by Professor Giannos G. Lolos and Dr. Angeliki G. Simosi, the 2023 survey focused on the northwestern part of Ambelakia Bay, an area rich in submerged ruins from the Classical city of Salamis.
Research in previous years had already traced a large section of the city's 4th-century BCE seaward wall, a massive structure measuring 3-4 meters in thickness and reinforced with towers. This year, the team concentrated on excavating a large, elongated public building nestled within this wall.
The excavation, conducted in challenging muddy conditions, employed an innovative 'amphibious' technique that combines terrestrial and underwater archaeological methods.
By using a flexible cofferdam and water pumps, the team successfully drained water and removed sediment from a 190 square meter area, allowing for a detailed examination of the building's remains.
The building, measuring 32 meters in length and 6 meters in width, appears to extend further northward onto the shore. Its layout, featuring a series of rooms with open spaces facing west, suggests it may have been a Stoa, a type of covered walkway or portico common in ancient Greek architecture.
Despite being heavily plundered for building materials in the past, the surviving walls, constructed from large, carved stone blocks, attest to the building's original grandeur.
The 2022-2023 excavation season saw the complete examination of two consecutive square rooms, along with partial exploration of additional rooms and an adjacent open area. The findings offer valuable insights into the city's architectural design and urban planning, shedding light on its social and economic life.
The interdisciplinary survey, utilizing advanced techniques and a collaborative approach, represents a significant advancement in marine archaeology in Greece.
It not only expands understanding of ancient Salamis but also demonstrates the potential for further discoveries in the underwater heritage of Greece.
As the survey continues, it promises to unveil more secrets of this ancient city, enriching our knowledge of its past and its place in the broader context of Greek history.