THE BOVA MARINA ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT - UNDERWATER SURVEY OF THE SAN PASQUALE RIVER VALLEY, CALABRIA, ITALY

Since 1997, the Bova Marina Archaeological Project (Universities of Cambridge & Leicester) has focused on an extensive archaeological survey and excavation in the Southern Aspromonte, Italy. This work is one of the few systematic surveys undertaken in this part of Calabria and has already documented 50 sites and suggested cycles of occupation beginning in the prehistoric period. There has been no underwater survey in the Bova Marina area, due to the lack of available expertise in underwater survey methods, but also due to the submarine topography which is very steep indicating that any sea-level change would cause minimal translation of the shoreline. However, a preliminary bathymetric and underwater survey in July 2005 revealed an extensive, flat coastal plain beside the submerged alluvial valley of the San Pasquale River which contained boulder mounds with topographic expression. The boulder mounds are approximately 0.9 km out from the present shoreline and are found at 27 metres below MSL. Survey in the area of the boulder mounds found a peat deposit composed of reeds and branches indicating a terrestrial or floodplain environment. Identification of the plant remains and radiocarbon dates are still pending; however, the broad plain has a high potential for submerged archaeological sites. Further survey will utilize CHIRP (sub-bottom profiling), sidescan sonar and a marine magnetometer to isolate possible archaeological sites and broad stratigraphic relationships. Sediment cores will be used to reconstruct the landscape and to date significant horizons. Results of the plant analysis and radiocarbon dates will be discussed along with possible sea-level and occupation scenarios.