Research Results of the International Syrian-Russian Underwater-Archaeological Expedition in the Waters of the Tartous Province in the Season 2020-2021.

Abstract

In 2020–2021 underwater archaeological research of the Syrian-Russian expedition in the waters of the Tartous province of the Syrian Arab Republic continued. The purpose of the research was the search, survey, fixation and identification of underwater archaeological objects in the water area of Tartous, the islands of Arwad, El Abbas, El Faris, El Phanar and Makrud, the settlement of Kharab Markia. The task is to conduct underwater surveys using modern equipment, survey using a mobile sonar complex of objects identified in the 2019 season. The work was carried out with the involvement of diving teams, as well as a remote-controlled unmanned underwater vehicle “Marlin 350”. Numerous finds (fragments of ceramic and marble vessels, ceramic lids of sarcophagi, basalt shells of a trebuchet metal tool, architectural fragments of basalt) found in the course of work in the water area of Arwad Island are evidence of active trade contacts and the life of the city-state as a transit point for sea trade in different periods of history of this region. Examination of the fragments of fortifications and mooring structures preserved under water in the water area of Arwad Island made it possible to highlight a new direction of the expedition's work: a geographic information system (GIS) was created for the sea area of the Tartous province of the Syrian Arab Republic. Near the settlement of Kharab Markia the remains of an ancient structure were recorded, presumably a fortress tower and a port lighthouse from the Roman period.