Holocene fluctuations of the Black Sea level and human activities along the south Black Sea coast

Abstract

Holocene fluctuations of the Black Sea level have played a significant role in the existence of the Black Sea polis-cities. The high sea-level during the Novochernomorian transgression is followed by the Phanagorian regression when the sea level reached its minimum of 3 m below the modern sea level during the antiquity (Roman Age). Then, on the west coast of Mandra Lake the Roman polis Deultum was founded which became a flourishing port. The discrepancy between the low sea level and ancient navigation activity in Mandra Lake is a challenge for further investigations of the Holocene sediments.