New underwater discoveries in Greece reveal ancient Roman engineering

Underwater excavations at Lechaion, the ancient harbour of Corinth, provide insight into engineering by the Roman EmpireNew archaeological excavations at the ancient port of Corinth have uncovered evidence of large-scale Roman engineering. Named Lechaion, the port was one of a pair that connected the city of ancient Corinth to Mediterranean trade networks. Lechaion is located on the Gulf of Corinth, while Kenchreai is positioned across the narrow Isthmus of Corinth on the Aegean Sea. These two strategic harbours made Corinth a classical period power, but the Romans destroyed the city in 146 BC when conquering Greece. Julius Caesar rebuilt the city and its harbours in 44 BC, ushering in several centuries of prosperity. Recent excavations by theLechaion Harbour Project have revealed the impressive engineering of the Roman Empire.Related:What mysteries could be unlocked by new Antikythera shipwreck finds?Continue reading...

Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - December 14, 2017 Category: Science Authors: Peter B Campbell Tags: Archaeology Greece Science Source Type: news