2024 Parion Underwater Research: An Evaluation in the Light of New Findings

Parion is located on the Anatolian coast of the Çanakkale Strait, within the boundaries of Kemer Village in the Biga District, extending towards the Sea of Marmara. The settlement pattern of the city, shaped by the unique topography and natural coves of Bodrum Cape, represents a significant example of port infrastructure among the coastal cities of Antiquity. This research aims to document and evaluate the current state of the region’s cultural heritage by examining the harbor areas of Parion and associated coastal structures using RTK- and GIS-supported positioning systems, 3D modeling, and systematic intensive underwater surveys. Due to its strategic location between the Hellespontos (Çanakkale Strait) and Propontis (Sea of Marmara), Parion’s critical role in trade, economy, and cultural interactions throughout Antiquity is extensively examined. The study evaluates the remains of port-related structures, such as breakwaters, quays, seawalls and shipsheds, alongside the impact of fluvial sediments transported by the Kemer Stream on the morphological changes in the harbor area, which affected the functionality of the port. Through these findings, the research provides original contributions to underwater archaeological literature concerning the maritime activities and port infrastructure of Parion during Antiquity. Fieldwork involved systematic intensive surveys conducted with scuba equipment in three designated areas using the gridded survey method. The data obtained with RTK satellite-based positioning systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provided verifiable information regarding the location of port structures, construction techniques, and patterns of usage continuity. Consequently, the archaeological potential of the Parion harbor area has been revealed in detail, and significant data have been acquired for the preservation of underwater cultural heritage. This study highlights Parion’s crucial role in maritime trade and fishing activities within the Propontis and Hellespontos trade networks, offering new perspectives for comparative analyses with ancient port cities in the Mediterranean basin.