مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Paleogeographical - Geoarchaeological Research on the Aegean-Mediterranean Coast of Turkey

Abstract :

Aim of this study, is the changes of geographical environment of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey in the Holocene, using various examples from our studies around some ancient settlements. Sedimentological and paleontological analyses were performed on the samples derived from core drillings on the alluvial plains, and changing environmental characteristics were determined. The sea level which was about -130 m in the last glacial period, rose nearly to the present level in the Mid-Holocene (About 7000-5000 years ago) and formed bays and gulfs on the mouths of rivers. By the end of rapid sea-level rise in the Mid-Holocene, the bays and gulfs started to be filled up by alluvial deposits and the coastlines prograded. Thus, the ancient harbours which had been established on the coasts of former bays in the mouths of big rivers, silted up gradually and lost their importance. Our paleogeographical and geoarchaeological research on some of such archaeological sites, contributed valuable interpretations to understand relation between geographical changes and cultural development. Geoarcheological and paleogeographical research makes a great contribution to archaeology.