Sedimentological evidence of an assumed ancient anchorage in the hinterland of a Phoenician settlement (Guadiana estuary/SW-Spain)

摘要

As bays, lagoons and estuaries ensure protection from wind, and a hinterland rich in natural resources is most enticing, during the early Iron Age the seafaring Phoenician settlers chose such locations all over the Mediterranean for their seaports, establishing pan-Mediterranean trade from the late 9th century BCE onwards. Despite the difficult nautical conditions, Phoenician sailors had conquered the Strait of Gibraltar by the end of the 9th century BCE. Today, many of these sites along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts are located several kilometers inland, due to coastal progradation.