Υποβρύχια έρευνα στο Μπούρτζι Ναυπλίου Δεκέμβριος 1985-Ιανουάριος 1986
Part of : Αρχαιολογικά ανάλεκτα εξ Αθηνών ; Vol.XX, No.1-2, 1987, pages 93-111
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93-111
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Underwater exploration of the islet of Bourtzi at Nafplio
Section Title:
Αρχαιολογικά χρονικά
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Abstract:
In December 1985 and January 1986 the Department of Underwater Antiquities of Greece undertook a major underwater survey of the islet of Bourtzi.The project was financed by the Greek Tourist Organization, which in considering the idea of converting the medieval castle into a restaurant, for which purpose a barrier would have to be erected around the islet to protect in against rough seas.As it turned out, a similar form of protection had already been employed in earlier times. In Kevin Andrew’s book, The Castles of the Morea, the Grimani plans show that during the 16th and 17th centuries the Turks had surrounded the islet with a «porporella», or underwater barrier made of stones, in order to prevent the approach of large ships. The shape, extent and condition of the various parts of the medieval structure were established, detailed maps were drawn and photographic records were made.A test trench was dug near the base of the best-preserved part of the porporella which revealed the extensive presence of timber in the vicinity. These timbers were dated by the Dimokritos laboratory to the years 1430 to 1470 AD. The use of timber as a solid raft on which to erect a building was a common practice employed in a number of Roman forts on the coast of Saxon Britain. There are also several examples of timber being used in the foundations of 12th to 17th century buildings. In Nafplio at the beginning of the 16th century the Venetians filled in the marshy land and by driving piles into the muddy bottom of the sea extended the foundations of the city out into the water.There are several possible explanations for the origin of the wooden structure. It may be the remains of the medieval waterfront or a wooden bridge, but the most probable explanation seems to be that the structure belongs to the remains of a sunken vessel that was used for the construction of the porporella.A number of artifacts, such as clay tobacco pipes, copper nails, coins, etc., were found in the trench already excavated by the Greek Tourist Organization Underwater project.
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