The underwater excavation at the Roman port of Babir near Sukošan in Croatia
As part of the research project "Settlement, development and use of space from the Iron Age to Late Antiquity on Lake Vrana" (see also blog post www .dainst.blog/crossing-borders/2022/01/13/ more-than-just-a-pile-stones-the-researches-of-the-rgk-in-vrana/) the RGK is currently involved in the underwater excavation in the Roman port Babir of Sukošan. The site is located about 10 kilometers southeast of Zadar.
Die Ausgrabung haben begonnen: Mit Sedimentsaugern wird ein Holzwrack aus der Antike in Hafenbecken freigelegt. © DAI+ RGK// Foto: Roman Scholz (RGK)
During the prospecting work in the previous year, a very well-preserved wood wreck was discovered. A first dating shows that the trees that served to build the ship were planted in the 1st century. A.D. were felled.
In the course of the next two weeks, the ship should be exposed as completely as possible. The wreck is then comprehensively documented. Such discoveries make a significant contribution to the understanding of ancient trade routes in the eastern Adriatic. The negotiated goods, preserved in the wrecks or even stalled in the port basins, also allow conclusions to be drawn about the land use and goods production in the vicinity of Lake Vranasee.
Cover photo: Threatening photo of the excavation in Sukošan on 11.10.2022 (Photo: R. Scholz, RGK).