Potential Harbour-Related Features along the Coast between Sarepta and Adloun, South Lebanon: A Preliminary Morphological, Spatial, and Functional Assessment
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Description
This study evaluates a cluster of coastal and rock-cut features observed in a sector between Sarepta (Sarafand) and Adloun in South Lebanon and tests their compatibility with the hypothesis of an ancient multi-basin, multifunctional harbour complex. The research problem derives from the difficulty of distinguishing natural coastal formations from anthropogenically modified or constructed features on unexcavated rocky shorelines, especially where ancient harbour systems may have relied on favourable geomorphological settings that were subsequently enhanced. The study employs non-invasive surface observation, photographic documentation, satellite imagery, and morphological and spatial analysis of the relationships between a seaward rock barrier, water basins, possible hauling routes, circular cavities, rock-cut vats and trenches, and the adjacent landward zone. Preliminary results reveal a spatial concentration of heterogeneous features over a maritime frontage approaching one kilometre. These include a large main basin, a more sheltered inner basin, potential rock-cut slipways, a secondary basin, numerous relatively regular vats and cuts, and possible traces of lining, mortar, and thermal or craft activity in the landward hinterland. The diagnostic value of the evidence does not rest on any isolated feature but on recurrence, spatial association, and the possibility that the elements formed an operational sequence linking protection and anchorage with hauling, maintenance, processing, and support activities. The paper concludes that the harbour-complex hypothesis warrants systematic archaeological, geoarchaeological, and underwater testing, while emphasizing that the chronology, specific functions, and historical identity of the site remain unresolved.
Notes
Research Provenance and Collaboration Notice
This study constitutes the author’s original preliminary identification, field documentation, spatial synthesis, and archaeological formulation of the research problem presented here. Any scholarly use of the site identification, harbour-system hypothesis, spatial interpretation, or associated published documentation should appropriately cite this work and its DOI.Additional unpublished field documentation, imagery, spatial data, and research materials are retained by the author and may be shared within formally agreed academic collaborations.
The publication of this preliminary study does not constitute the release of the author’s complete field archive or unpublished research dataset.
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Potential_Harbour_Features_Sarepta_Adloun_.pdf
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References
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