The Danaos Project, 2007

AND MARITIME NAUTICAL 2008] in the region to results of previous work undertaken a coherent produce and of activities overview the lake's role in the economy ofHellenistic and Roman Egypt. Looking at all visible evidence for industry,trade, and transport, the project aims to quantify and assess the resources archaeological and data to its relation the historical, regarding in the context the Graeco-Roman assessment A desk-based of Alexandria. harbor area the history, spatial and temporal of paleogeographical distribution, of of the ar and environmental, chaeological aspects of the area has been compiled. Data from fieldwalking in summer 2004, enhanced by a assessment thorough of im satellite high-resolution agery of the surveyarea, helped identifykey sites (fig. 3). In May, July, and August 2007, a nondestructive systematic surveyof all identified siteson the northern shores and of an island about 5 km in length in the sector southeastern of the lake was conducted using an RTK survey system that produced topographical maps. Areas of specific archaeological importance were cleaned, photographed, and planned using a total station theodolite. A systematic sample surveyof the visible surface ceramics established an index of the maximum at each range chronological site. The aim is to establish the date, extent, and function of each site to determine the spatial and functional among relationships them and ascertain the extent towhich themaritime and economic activities in the Mareotic region contributed to the economy of ancient and Egypt as a whole. Results have been extremely encouraging, with about 80 sites identified Alexandria and almost 50 recorded. comprehensively A final sea son is planned for the summer of 2008. Ultimately, a database of all the sites and accurate maps of the area will be integrated into a GIS platform to address the finds and their significance. THE DANAOS PROJECT, 2007 of Nautical Institute Wachsmann, Shelley Archaeol ogy (INA), Texas A&M University, reports: The Danaos Project is a multidisciplinary surveyof the ancient blue-water aim of the survey The route between is to locate, Crete document, and Egypt.4 and study archaeological remains of shipwrecks and jetsam that mark the route. The project takes itsname fromDan aos of Greek myth who is connected tion, 4 and movement For danaos. 5 This Centre additional between information, Greece see to ships, naviga and Egypt.5 http://ina.tamu.edu/ 311 SEASONS 2006-2007 ARCHAEOLOGY, The blue-water route between Crete and Egypt is of great antiquity. Itwas apparently firstblazed byMi noans, who appear in Egyptian tomb paintings and texts.6This link indicates that the Egyptians perceived theMinoans as arriving from thewest by sailing across sea the open-water route. This endeavor tute for Ancient 6Vercoutter is a collaborative Research and Medieval effort of INA, theHellenic the Hellenic Insti and (HCMR), Alexandrian 1956, 51-3,56-7, Studies, Greece. Wachsmann 81, 87-8,91-2; me northwesterly.7 Homer supplies the earliest literaryreferences to this route and describes it as a five-day voyage.8 Classical sources the shorten trip to three or four Mariners days.9 in antiquity also preferred to sail along Crete's south ern coast from to take northerly of the advantage winds island's notes (e.g., Lucian protection this was that the normal route preferred by the returning Roman was into a storm St. Paul's swept grain ship ships10). front while Crete's southern coast.11 sailing along in One of the most criteria deep-submer important gence archaeological survey is selecting an appropriate seabed that is conducive to locating shipwrecks. The ideal area isa relativelyflat,sedimentary seabed lacking geological outcrops, which allows for the use of side scan sonar over have a low sedimentation areas. significant rate, The area or ancient must also shipwrecks may be too deeply buried. These considerations guided the project in selecting the best possible terrain.Because of the subduetion of the African the ous seabed of Crete south in the regions its European beneath plate entire counterpart, the most is among Mediterranean. tortu Addition ally, technical limitations restricted the project to a maximum depth of about 700 m. Using existent ru dimentary bathymetric maps, project geologists Dimi trisSakellariou (Hellenic Centre forMarine Research [HCMR], Greece) and Floyd McCoy (INA, University of Hawaii) selected an unexplored plateau off south east Crete delineated by thePliny Trench and thePtol emy Trench, along with part of the underwater slope of Gaidouronisi in Island. international This waters seamount unnamed southwest of Ierapetra. lies The plateau, rising to a height of 450 m, lies directly on the course and has between an Kommos assumed low and the western sedimentation Nile Delta rate. The survey (21 June-3 July 2007) was carried out on Aegaeo, HCMR's 62 m research vessel, using its equipment. Following swathbathymetry (multibeam), 7 On the wind regime in theMediterranean, 14-24. forMarine sense also makes teorologically: during the summer sailing season, the is primarily wind rose in the eastern Mediterranean ?Horn. Od. 14.252-58,17.426. 287 n. 75. 9Cassonl995, 10Casson 1950,47-8; 1956; 11 Acts 27:6-15. 1995,287 1998,297-99. This content downloaded from 128.194.172.200 on Fri, 16 May 2014 20:39:02 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions n. 75. see Davis 2000, NAUTICAL 2008] AND MARITIME which generated a detailed map of 1,700 km2 of the was plateau and its surroundings, the remaining time to dedicated sonar sidescan lawn" with the "mowing operating at 100 kHz frequency, in combination with sub-bottom sonar penetrating bed with more than 250 km of track lines. were Anomalies 70 km2 of sea to survey evaluated and by Sakellariou, pro spective targetswere then sight-checked using Aegaeo's submersible, itsMaxRover and Thetis, Remote Oper (ROV), operable to 610 and 2,000 m, respectively (figs. 4, 5). The sub-bottom penetrating sonar allowed fordetermining ifan anomaly might be ated Vehicle a rock the beneath formation than 150 recorded sonar targets, 15 were as evaluated possible shipwrecks. All these proved to be naturally forming crusts, apparently from local Of more cold of methane seeps crusts These gas. side have scan sonar profiles indistinguishable from those that might belong to a shipwreck. Because they form on the seabed allow the surface, sub-bottom does profiler not The survey located nine ceramic artifacts (fig. 6). Their studywas limited to in situ documentation, so identifications are tentative. The finds include one possible Samian amphora, perhaps dating to the fifth (fig. 7). The visibility of the amphora of ca. the passing despite tant confirmation the was 2.5 millennia low level of an impor sedimentation. artifacts include two single-handled cups Remaining and of several large in scour fragments amphora depres sions. These may have been redeposited by recent trawling activity in the area. The survey also resulted inunexpected biological discoveries studied bymarine biologist Chris Smith (HCMR). UNDERWATER SURVEY IN LEBANON year-long underwater from INA and AUB Lebanese out over Frost, most coast. While the past survey project with support is examining select areas of the some research several decades, of the Lebanese coast has notably remains been by carried Honor unexplored archaeologically due to the civilwar of the later 20th century and hostilities along the border with Israel. The relatively peaceful 1990s saw a number of ar chaeological projects inLebanon, the Nevertheless, but current power 12Sakellariouetal. 2007; Sakellariou (forthcoming). 13 site presented The reexamination of the Sheytan Deresi in this article is based on the previous important contribu to under tions of George F. Bass, who asked the contributor take continuing research of the site, and Roxani Margariti. The support and guidance of Cemal Pulak was invaluable, as was the and assistance of the director and staff of cooperation of History Department Ar and chaeology ofAUB is excavating a coastal Early Bronze Age tell (2900-2600 B.C.E.) at the village of Kfarabi da in the northern part of the country. The site,Tell Fadous-Kfarabida, was surveyed in 2004 and 2005, with investigation interrupted by theHezbollah-Israeli con flictof 2006. It is situated on a rocky coast where three small bays form themain geological feature. Adjunct to the terrestrial investigation, under Sader Hermann and the direction this Genz, contribu tor is surveying the bays and shore for indications of maritime activity related to the settlement on the tell and for shipwrecks from other time periods. Monica Jubayli and others from the Riviera Dive Club in Bei rut are In addition, assisting. adjacent areas deeper of the coast are being explored, yielding ceramics of the Late centuries C.E.). (third-fourth period or mate are indicative of a shipwreck Roman these rial jettisoned by a passing vessel isunknown. a local from Information in diver-fisherman nearby Batroun, a citydating to at least as early as the Late Bronze Age, indicates the presence of two shipwrecks. on Based is a one ceramics, wreck first-century with Ro man amphoras. The other possibly dates to the Early Iron Age (llth-10th century B.C.E.). Investigations on land sea and at Tell continued Fadous-Kfarabida throughout August 2007. Other locations in the north and the south of Lebanon will be surveyed in 2008 as funding and the political situation allows. THE REVIEWING LOCAL BRONZE COASTAL AGE OF A CARGO VESSEL Alexis Catsambis, Ralph K. Pedersen, American University of Beirut (AUB), reports: A endeavors. logical Whether for differentiation. century B.C.E. near Tripoli struggles,which included a lengthybattle in the summer of 2007, threaten to hamper archaeo of Helen sediment.12 313 SEASONS 2006-2007 ARCHAEOLOGY, INA, Texas A&M University, reports: Ever since its discovery in 1973, the origin of the Sheytan Deresi site inTurkey has perplexed research have ers.13 Questions covered surrounded the age its provenance, assemblage, a event. it represents single wrecking to discover search undertaken has been the ceramic work vessels offers ers have only now from originating tantalizing to new turned and of Extensive the re the whether parallels site, but re for this Research suggestions.14 complementary sources of information. the Bodrum laboratories and all the Archaeology in the scientific analyses. The Onassis Foundation provided important aid. Museum of Underwater involved Public Benefit 14 For a thorough Sheytan Deresi 1998; Catsambis investigation of potential see Bass artifact assemblage, (forthcoming). This content downloaded from 128.194.172.200 on Fri, 16 May 2014 20:39:02 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions parallels for the 1976; Margariti 314 [AJA112 JAMES P. DELGADO Fig. 5. The Max Rover ROV (courtesy Hellenic Centre for Marine Research). This content downloaded from 128.194.172.200 on Fri, 16 May 2014 20:39:02 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions 2008] NAUTICAL AND MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY, 2006-2007 SEASONS 315 the 2007 Danaos 6. Plot of artifacts found during 001, amphora (Samian?), nearly Project: half buried on its side; 002, single-handled cup (coarse ware), sitting upright; 003, frag complete, ment of a ceramic 004, fragment of a ceramic storage vessel, storage vessel, possibly an amphora; an 006, partial 005, fragment of a ceramic storage vessel, possibly an amphora; possibly amphora; with ribbing; 007, single-handled cup (coarse ware) with flaring rim and plain lip; 008, amphora sit ceramic vessel; 009, amphora base fragment of an unidentifiable rim, neck, and one handle, ting upright (drawing by D. Davis). Fig. In the fall of 1973, the newly formed (American) Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA) conducted its first systematic survey of the southwestern coast of Turkey to locate the shipwreck thatwould be the first excavated by the institute.The expedition identified 18 sites that represented what seemed to be every pe riod of antiquity. One of the sites, near Sheytan De resi, appeared to George Bass, director of the survey, to be the oldest known at the time.15Unlike the other identified sites, it looked to be undisturbed. Two years later, a team supported by the National Geographic Society and led by Bass returned to Sheytan Deresi to excavate and (fig. 8). The excavation uncovered a series of involved 550 dives impressive ceramic vessels ranging from small jugs to large pithoi. The artifacts comprised the remains of 16 ceramic vessels, 10 ofwhich were restored to complete profiles. 15 Bass 7. An Samian, (DP07-001), amphora possibly Centre for Marine Research). (courtesy Hellenic Fig. 1976. This content downloaded from 128.194.172.200 on Fri, 16 May 2014 20:39:02 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions in situ JAMES P. DELGADO 334 and quarries, Dressel and 2-4 produced in that region. however, is Archeomar, Works 2 amphoras Lamboglia The most important marine surveyproject in Italy, a three-year of project the Ministry of Culture for the creation of an archaeologi cal resources map with differential GPS for all marine archaeological and cata, in evidence After Puglia. -. Basili Calabria, Campania, a two-season survey the greatest with most The of sites. concentration discoveries impressive have Bass, GF. -. been around examples 2, Dressel characterized these ras; is near wreck second by vessels a great were Punta tumulus of Keay in Tunisia produced 25 Deresi: Preliminary IJNA IJNA Report." e de'suoi Brill. 25-40. Leiden: Holum, C, R.L. Hohlfelder, J.P. Oleson, "The Roman Maritime Concrete and C. Stern. (ROMA in Crete Study of Chersonisos 1 (2):25-9. "A Monumental D.N. The Roman 2006. Carlson, Cargo: at Kizilburun, INA Column Wreck The Quarterly Turkey." ampho 33(1):3-10. between the beginning of the fourth and the middle of the fifthcenturies C.E. Africana II typeamphoras are also "Sheytan 1973." :The Roman Harbour CONS) and Its Italian Connection." Mediterranee It is dell'Arciera. Survey for Shipwrecks, "Turkey, and KG Raban Brandon, 2005. B.C.E. The (19 Feb Maritima: A Retrospective AfterTwoMillennia, edited byA. 1C, Dressel IB, Dressel 28, and Dressel 6. The wreck dates to the end of the second/beginning of the first century 1976. 2006-2007." http://www.archaeogate.org C. 1996. "Cements, and Settiing Barg Brandon, Concrete, es at Sebastos: with Other Roman Harbor Comparisons and the Descriptions of Vitruvius." In Caesarea Examples Dressel 2-4, 1974. 3(2):335-38. Gawasis "Mersa/Wadi di Caffaro L.T., ed. 1926. Annaligenovesi Belgrano, continuatori. Rome: Fonti per la storia d'Italia. tumulus (lgth. 16 m, wdth. 8 m) of amphoras. They lie in their original stowed position in at least three layers.The main typology isDressel 21/22, but there of Lamboglia (2007). 5(4):298-303. the isle of Capri, in deep water. A submersible survey in 130 m of water near Bocca Grande documented a are 20 June. 2007b, ruary2008). of the coast Cited and R. Fattovich, eds. 2007a. Harbor Bard, KA., of thePha raohs to theLand Punt: at of Archaeological Investigations Univer Mersa/Wadi Gawasis, Egypt, 2001-2005. Naples: sita di Napoli TOrientale." Archaeogate using ROVs and submersibles, the survey focused on areas [AJA 112 -. L. Casson, 43-56. 239-40. present. 1950. "The Isis and Her TAPA Voyage." 81: 1956. "The IsisandHer Voyage: AReply." TAPA 87: -. 1995. Reprint. Ships and Seamanship in theAncient World.Baltimore and London: The JohnsHopkins Uni versity Press. Original versity Press, 1971. EMAIL OF ADDRESSES Carlo Daniel, Brandon, chris-brandon@pringle-brandon. Claire Calcagno, calcagno@bu.edu dnc@tamu.edu Carlson, Alexis ods S. Greene, Justin Leidwanger, egreene@brocku.ca Pedersen, jleidwan@sas.upenn.edu Hansson, DNA Shelley H. van Doorninck, Wachsmann, Cheryl Chiara Ward, Sergiy Zelenko, Zazzaro, cward@fsu.edu chiarazazzaro@yahoo.it zel@mail.univ.kiev.ua The Pabuc and M.C., Fragments B.P. Inside Burnu "Ancient Foley. Forthcoming. Re Greek Amphoras Classical veal Cargo of 2400 Year-Old Shipwreck."JAS. 2005. "Build Archaeol ogy at Brindisi, Italy, September 2004." IJNA 34(1): Jr., FredvanD@aol.com swachsmann@tamu.edu Asia Minor: R.L., C. Brandon, Hohlfelder, andJ.P. Oleson. a Roman Pita in the Sea: ing Experimental rkpedersen@yahoo.com JeffreyG. Royal, jroyal@rpmnautical.org Frederick in Early Monetary Shipwreck." Skyllis7:17-22. John Peter Oleson, jpoleson@uvic.ca Ralph Medi for Underwater pacities maritime@univ.kiev.ua Morozova, the Kizilbu Goddio, Robert L. Hohlfelder, Robert.Hohlfelder@Colorado.edu Yana from Hesperia. Archaeology." The Submerged 1998. Alexandria: F., andJ. Yoyotte. Periplus. Royal Quarters. London: Ca Lawall. 2005-2006. Greene, E.S., and M.L. "Amphora Rodolfo Fattovich, rfattovich@libero.it Brendan Foley, bfoley@whoi.edu Elizabeth University. "An Egyptian Amphora Deresi." "The 2005 Chios Ancient Shipwreck Survey:New Meth alexiscatsambis@neo.tamu.edu Catsambis, Site of Sheytan Uni D. Sakellariou, R. B. Bingham, Foley, B.P., K. DellaPorta, Camilli, R. Eustice, D. Evagelistis, V. Ferrini, K. Katsaros, P. Micha, D. Mindell, A. Mallios, C. Ro D. Kourkoumelis, man, H. Singh, D. Switzer, T. Theodoulou. Forthcoming. co.uk. Deborah "The in the Ancient Eastern Davis, D. 2000. "Navigation M.A. terranean." thesis, Texas A&M University. L.Blue@soton.ac.uk Christopher J.A. 2006. Princeton Princeton: run Shipwreck." The INA Quarterly33(1):13-14. beltrame@unive.it Beltrame, Blue, Lucy A. Forthcoming. Catsambis, M.A. thesis, Texas A&M CONTRIBUTORS kbard@bu.edu Bard, Kathryn edition, 123-27. -. 2007. "Constructing the Harbour of Caesarea Pal estina:New Evidence from theROMACONS Field Cam paign ofOctober 2005." IJNA36(2):409-15. MacGillivray, J.A. 1998. Knossos: PotteryGroups of theOld Palace Period.BSA Studies 5. London: British School of Athens. This content downloaded from 128.194.172.200 on Fri, 16 May 2014 20:39:02 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions AND MARITIME NAUTICAL 2008] R.E. 1998. Margariti, noan Connection "The ?eytan Deresi Wreck and in the Eastern MA. Aegean." cal Research: the Mi Sakellariou, Oleson time Structure with Vitruvian Pozzolanic J.P., C. Brandon, R. Cucitore, S. Cramer, E. Gotti, of Hydraulic Concrete in Roman IfNA33 (2): 199-229. ed. D., Papanikola-Bakirtzi, 1999. Maritime Byzantine Structures." Glazed Ceram ics:The Art ofSgraffito. Athens: Archaeological Receips Fund. RosloffJ.P. "INA's 1980 Turkish Underwater Survey." 7/M410(4):277-86. Royal, J. 2006. "The 2005 Remote-Sensing Survey of the South-Eastern -. -. 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