An international team of archaeologists and other researchers are digging up the secrets of an ancient town off the coast of Greece. The town was discovered more than 40 years ago, but has not been researched since its discovery. Researchers originally believed the town dated to the Mycenaean period, about 1300 BC. New evidence, such as pieces of ceramic and building foundations, date the town to the Final Neolithic age, more than 1,200 years earlier.
Archaeological research is made more difficult when the site is underwater. Special techniques and tools must be used. Recent advances in technology have enabled researchers to capture 3-D images of the ruins that resemble photographs. Using these images and other search techniques, they have found evidence of burials, buildings, streets, temples, and a port. Despite the possible importance of the find, the site is endangered by scuba divers and other treasure seekers from a nearby beach. The natural elements of erosion and marine life also threaten the remains.
Archaeologists hope that the remains of the city and its port will produce information about trade networks and sailing methods used by early Bronze Age residents. Researchers also hope to determine the causes for Pavlopetri’s descent into the ocean. The project is planned to last four to five years, with published papers based on the research expected in 2014.
Related Links
- New Discoveries at World’s Oldest Submerged Town
This press release from the University of Nottingham describes the current findings and future goals of the team of scientists researching Pavlopetri.
(Source: AlphaGalileo, October 21, 2009) - 5,000 Years Make Oldest Underwater Town
This Web page includes videos of the history of the site and recent excavations.
(Source: Heritage Key, October 21, 2009) - Race to Preserve Pavlopetri
This article offers descriptions of the dig and the answers researchers hope to find.
(Source: Science News, October 21, 2009)
Other Issues in the Region
Turmoil in the Balkans
After the former Yugoslavia split into six republics (Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia), separatists in the province of Kosovo launched their own bid for independence. Following the outbreak of hostilities between Serbia and the guerrilla-style Kosovo Liberation Army, Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic launched a military crackdown in Kosovo. A flood of refugees and reports of widespread atrocities by Serbian forces led to charges that Serbia was trying to rid the province of ethnic Albanians. In 1999, NATO flew air strikes against Serbia until Milosevic agreed to withdraw his troops. Slobodan Milosevic was forced to step down after losing an election in 2000. He died in jail in 2006 while on trial for war crimes related to Serbian actions in Kosovo and Bosnia.
- Kosovo Marks Independence Day
On February 17 Kosovo celebrated the one-year anniversary of its declaration of independence from Serbia. Despite the celebration, Serbia still refuses to recognize Kosovo’s independence, and parts of the country remain divided.
(Source: BBC, February 17, 2009)
Cleaning Up Europe
Pollution of the air and waterways is a serious problem in Europe. The pollution comes from many sources, including business, industry, the farming community, and ordinary citizens who use and discard household products. All of these individuals and groups must now work together to find a solution, improve conditions, and prevent further damage.
- Emissions of air pollutants down in EU-27
The annual report of the European Environment Agency shows pollution levels in the European Union were lower in 2007 than in the previous year: emissions of the three main pollutants that cause ground-level ozone—carbon monoxide (CO), nonmethane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—all were down substantially, as were levels of sulphur oxides (SOx).
(Source: European Environment Agency, August 21, 2009)
Unification
The European Union has its origins in 1951, when France and what was then West Germany signed a treaty with four other nations creating the European Coal and Steel Community. Subsequent treaties involved more nations, leading eventually to the signing of the 1993 Maastricht Treaty, which created the European Union. Differences in size and power among EU members and candidates have created problems in expanding the EU, most notably in drafting a constitution. But both old and new member countries are cautiously optimistic about unification.
- FACTBOX: EU Steps Up Pace on Financial Regulation
In the wake of the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression, the European Union began adopting new policies to regulate certain financial industries, such as credit providers, insurance companies, and banks.
(Source: Reuters, April 21, 2009)