Preserving Pavlopetri: Current Challenges and Future Strategies for Protecting the World's Oldest Submerged Town

The submerged prehistoric town of Pavlopetri, Laconia, Greece, offers a unique lens through which to examine the interplay between coastal environmental dynamics and the preservation of underwater cultural heritage. This paper explores the ongoing threats to Pavlopetri, including natural forces such as sediment transport, wave action, and storm surges, as well as human-induced impacts from boat traffic and coastal infrastructure. By integrating archaeological, environmental, and hydrodynamic data, it assesses the site's vulnerability and proposes strategies for its long-term protection. The findings contribute to broader discussions on managing submerged heritage sites, offering practical conservation insights to safeguard Pavlopetri for future generations.