Existence of submerged Roman site in Tunisia known since 2013

The archaeological excavations started in 2010 by Tunisian underwater team the National Heritage Institute (INP), in Cap Bon, have already proved since 2013 the existence of an ancient engulfed city, known as Neapolis, INP Director Faouzi Mahfoudh told Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP).

Photo courtesy of Tunisian National Heritage Institute

Information relayed by the main international media and taken over by Tunisian media reveal the discovery of an ancient city dating back to the 4th century and disappeared following a tsunami that had ravaged the northeast coast of Tunisia.

Mahfoudh said that the recent excavations carried out by a team of Tunisian and Italian archaeologists were based on an earlier location of the archaeological site in question.

Mahfoudh, who is also an academic specialising in history and archaeology, specified that the causes leading to the submersion of this city, especially the tanks used for the production of Garum, are still subject to scientific controversy.

Photo courtesy of Tunisian National Heritage Institute

"It cannot be said today, with certainty, that it was an earthquake or a tsunami that had caused an extension of the coast and the disappearance of this vestige under the sea," he said.

According to him, it would be early to decide on this subject, which requires a thorough scientific study based on geological samples and sampling by scientists from various disciplines.

He noted that the results of the excavations should be presented with supporting video footage at academic meetings organised by the INP in October or in November with the participation of speakers of the Italian university Sassari-Oristano.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse [September 05, 2017]