According to the
latest news, archaeologists have started defining the old coastline of Pella
to locate the position of its ancient harbor.
Pella was built at
the mouth of the Axios
River to
ensure direct access to the sea. Until now, the harbor has not been located
because today, Pella
lies 25 km
inland (see: Pella,
the birthplace of Alexander the Great). Over the past
two thousand years, the harbor has silted up, transforming the once so busy
lagoon into a lake, which eventually dried up.
Mouth of the Axios River today
The
archaeologists retraced the ancient coastline and the small walled island of Fakos that lay
opposite the entrance, thanks to surface and geophysical surveys. They
presently are investigating the role this port played in Macedonia’s
history, even though Alexander started his campaign in Amphipolis.
They believe that many ships of his fleet were built here.
From the 5th
century BC onwards, the harbor of Pella was a commercial hub where goods were loaded and unloaded and where visiting
embassies anchored on their journey to the Royal Palace.
Another research
project is underway to learn more about the buildings and quays of this vital
port city.
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