ميناء مدينة توكرة الاثرية دراسة ميدانية تحت الماء

Abstract

Ancient harbours are considered among the most crucial facilities, serving as indicators of the importance and size of the cities associated with them. Their evidence and size reflect not only the magnitude of the cities but also variety in commercial transactions, external communications, and independent commercial and service - a key factor of political autonomy. Consequently, field surveys conducted on the coasts and underwater are indispensable for revealing evidence that substantiates the existence of a harbour in a specific city and helps to envisage its arrangements, thereby establishing its overall size. This, in turn, contributes to a deeper understanding of the city itself.

Building on this rationale, the focus of this study is based on a comprehensive field survey both underwater and off the coast of the city of Tocra. The objective is to meticulously document all architectural elements and natural features for subsequent analysis and comparison, aimed at confirming the presence of a harbour in Tocra. Through conducting this study, it has been revealed with tangible evidence the existence of a large harbour with multifunctional roles, including those related to trade, communication, and maritime fishing in the city of Tocra. Its facilities are dispersed over an underwater area exceeding 2.5 hectares