Understanding the original morphology and hydraulic behaviour: the ancient rubble-mound conical structures of Aegina, Greece

This study presents an experimental reconstruction and hydraulic assessment of the Rubble-mound Conical Structures (RmCS) of Aegina, a distinctive type of ancient harbour infrastructure. Reduced-scale physical models integrating archaeological, geophysical, and engineering data were developed to reproduce construction techniques, reconstruct original morphometry, and evaluate structural response under wave forcing. Results indicate that the structures were likely emergent at construction (ca. 480 BCE). Wave height is identified as the dominant driver of morphometric evolution, with experiments reproducing progressive equilibrium phases leading to a stable configuration under storm conditions. Comparison with present-day structures shows strong agreement (>82%), supporting the validity of the experimental approach. Findings suggest that RmCS were intentionally designed with oversized bases and elevated freeboards to enhance long-term resilience, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary methodologies for reconstructing and interpreting ancient maritime infrastructures.