31st
The Lake Mareotis Research Project
Ahmed Omar is describing the Lake Mareotis Research Project which is a joint mission of the Underwater Dept of the SCA and the University of Southampton. The lake is now only about 30% of its extent in antiquity.
The objectives of the project are to research the palaeolograhical history of the lake, record the archaeological resources, determine chronology of remains and to determine the importance of the site and its relationship to Alexandria. Finally the mission aims to assess threats to the region.
In 2004 the team field-walked all around the lake, covering 60 km, and entering the results into a database. They then made a general map of the area. This was followed, from 2005-09 by a detailed and systematic survey of individual archaeological sites around the lake, including topographical and geophysical surveys, and drill-coring. The sites identified vary from those with a maritime function to industrial areas, for amphora or wine production.
The results of the survey so far indicate that the highest density of occupation and industrial activity in antiquity was at the western end of the lake and along its southern shore. Ahmed finished his talk by showing the threats to the sites around the lake from the creation of fish-farms, cement production, building works and other human activities.
