A second ancient port of Sozopol was discovered, BNT reported. The find is part of the first underwater expedition of the National History Museum in the water area of the Chrysosotira peninsula.
The port is mentioned in written sources. It is already mentioned in the partially preserved anonymous Byzantine periplus (navigation guide for sailors) from the 6th century. It says that the former Apollonia Pontica/Magna, which “is now called Sozopol, has two large ports”, recalled the head of the expedition Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov.
Five divers explored nearly 70,000 square meters underwater and mapped an area filled with numerous whole and fragmented Late Antique amphorae, as well as elements of other vessels. They also found an iron Late Antique anchor.
The study, financed by the Ministry of Culture, also includes the geophysical studies of engineer Kiril Velkovski with specialized equipment from the Center for Underwater Archaeology.
The vessels, among which there are amphorae from Chios, Knidos, Samos and Cyprus, were partially buried at a depth of 6 to 10 m. According to Prof. Hristov, they prove the existence of the ancient harbor and indicate its location in the leeward southwest side of Chrysosoteira .
The fortress on the peninsula is one of the largest in the Burgas Bay region, it is located on an area of 80 decares, walls, towers, more than 30 buildings and facilities have already been discovered in it. The most valuable finds will be displayed in a temporary exhibition at the National History Museum in December.