The largest port of ancient Greece is even older than we thought

In the ancient Mediterranean, Corinth was an economic powerhouse. Built on a narrow isthmus the city controlled trade between northern Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula. Bounded on either side by naturally protected bays, Corinth was also a bridge between the Aegean and the Ionian. The city’s main port, located along the Gulf of Corinth, was the largest port in ancient Greece.

What the studies showed

In earlier studies, archaeologists examining tombs and historical sources revealed that traders sailed from the port known as Lechaio more than 2,600 years ago, in the 7th century BC. They did so in ships likely loaded with pottery, perfumes, food and textiles for trade throughout the region. But a recent discovery has led many scientists to believe that the history of the port is older by 500 years and was actually one of the first active ports in the European area.

The new discovery

French archaeologists studied findings from contamination caused by lead and concluded that it had been caused since 1381 BC. It is likely that it came from metal nuggets imported by traders at the time to fuel their furnaces. However, while signs of activity related to the transport of goods by sea have been found, no parts of that era have yet been found from the port. The newest infrastructure findings date from the first century AD. or the Roman period. The work will continue in the summer of 2024.