Underwater geoarcheological investigations in the ancient tomis harbour area (Constanta, Romania)

The UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, adopted on 2 November 2001 is an international treaty aims to saving the underwater cultural heritage. Romania have joined the UNESCO Convention on the protection of the underwater cultural heritage in July 2007. The Western Black Sea shelf has been defined entirely as an archaeological site. Based on complex geological, sedimentological, stratigraphic studies and determinations of absolute age [2, 6] it was argued the existence of a cyclicity of sea level variation and climate, especially the last part of the Upper Quaternary. The location of the Tomis ancient harbor area has been long time disputed. Recently, based on geophysical investigations and direct scuba diver observations off the Constanta Casino submarine area, some particular geomorphological, geological and archaeological aspects were clarified. The seabed is irregular, represented by carstifiable rocks (Sarmatian limestone), intensively eroded by waves. Specific micro-tectonic rectangular fissure features of the Sarmatian limestone, determined a differentiated erosion with geomorphological aspects similar to port quays. In 2019, Marine Research Co. performed bathymetric measurements in the Tomis - Casino area (Constanta City, Romania), using a Kongsberg GeoSwath Plus Compact 500 khz multibeam equipment, with Applanix POS MV SurfMaster positioning. GEOSOND Co. performed two mechanical drillings with the Berretta T41 installation on the coast and two others offshore, using a self-rising rig. Within the MARSPLAN RO-BG II Project, all this information was reviewed, allowing us to conclude that the ancient harbor was located south of Constanta Cape, in front of the “Roman Mosaic Museum Complex”.