Geophysical challenges in mapping ancient harbor systems: preliminary insights from the SHIPs project
Geophysical methods have become standard in archaeology due to the non-destructive manner in which information from the subsurface is obtained. Large areas can be mapped quickly, without the need to dig and “hope for the best”. Coastal areas, often rich in archaeological and historical significance, present a unique, yet difficult environment for applying such methods. The SHiPs project sets out to redefine ancient harbor archaeology by conceptualizing these sites as dynamic systems rather than static architectural entities. This paradigm shift expands the scope of investigation beyond monumental structures to include bays, beaches, river mouths, and mooring zones—areas often overlooked in traditional studies. This broader perspective presents significant challenges for land and marine geophysical surveys. Mapping a port system in its entirety requires integrating diverse environments—submerged, intertidal, and terrestrial, each with unique constraints. SHiPs employs a suite of geophysical techniques to tackle these issues and applies them across three case studies: Caesarea (Israel), Terracina (Italy), and Port-Vendres (France). Key challenges include differentiating anthropogenic features from natural sedimentary structures in complex coastal stratigraphy; detecting small-scale anomalies such as iron anchors in shallow waters; correlating geophysical data with sediment cores to reconstruct paleo-environmental conditions and harbor usage over time; adapting survey strategies to variable salinity, moisture, and urban overburden in coastal zones. This presentation will outline the methodological framework developed by the SHiPs team, discuss preliminary results, and reflect on the potential of geophysics to transform our understanding of ancient maritime infrastructure.