Geomorphological Analysis of the Coast of the Collet Roman Maritime Villa and its Collet Est Pottery Workshop (Calonge i Sant Antoni, Catalonia)

Abstract The aim of this article is to define the geomorphological characteristics of the eastern end of the Palamós Bay during the Roman period, in order to understand the relationship between human occupation and the surrounding territory. Geological methods are used in the study, which also uses archaeological data. This comes from the excavation of the Collet Roman villa and the Collet Est pottery workshop. The geological data were obtained from both intensive and extensive fieldwork carried out in the vicinity of the pottery workshop, located to the east of the Roman villa. This work consisted of the study of the stratigraphic sequence of fill of the present-day alluvial plain. As a result of this research, it was found that this plain is the result of the contributions (through a progradation system) from the Aubí stream, and other secondary streams, which filled an ancient marshland that was partially open to the sea. This provided to the local inhabitants an inland lagoon protected from the sea currents and winds. So, it was ideal for the arrival of ships and their loading and unloading. It also provided the inhabitants of the Roman villa and its pottery workshop a reserve of fishing resources.