Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve)
Tavira Channel N
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Bronze–Iron Age maritime·🇵🇹 Algarve, Tavira, Portugal
About
About Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve)
Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve) in Algarve, Tavira, Portugal is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) submerged city attributed to Bronze–Iron Age maritime. Systematic survey and LiDAR document stratified harbour deposits. The site includes a principal necropolis and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions grid 210 m × 180 m; mole 85 m long × 7 m wide; area 14.1 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition submerged 3–6 m. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Bronze–Iron Age maritime submerged-city with stratified sequence and landscape setting at -5 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Relation to regional network
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
- 02Ritual landscape model
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Bronze–Iron Age maritime
- Purpose
- Submerged harbour and urban insulae under sea
- Rediscovered
- 1937
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 857 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1888
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
37.1200° N · 7.6500° W · -5 m · 4 mapped features
North Quay Mole
moleNorth Quay Mole at Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve) — mole with stratified deposits
37.1183° N · 7.6478° WStreet Grid Insula
insulaStreet Grid Insula at Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve) — insula with stratified deposits
37.1193° N · 7.6518° WHarbour Basin
basinHarbour Basin at Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve) — basin with stratified deposits
37.1180° N · 7.6513° WWarehouse Terrace
warehouseWarehouse Terrace at Tavira — Ancient Harbour North Channel (Algarve) — warehouse with stratified deposits
37.1194° N · 7.6497° W