In search of Pollentia's southern harbour: Geoarchaeological evidence from the Bay of Alcúdia (Mallorca, Spain)

Abstract

The Roman city of Pollentia was founded on the northeastern coast of Mallorca (Balearic archipelago) after the Roman conquest of the island in 123 BC. There is evidence that the city had two harbours, a small harbour located to the north, whereas the main harbour was located to the south of Pollentia. Our study focuses on the southern harbour, on a coastal plain in proximity to the ancient city. Four sedimentary cores were taken and bio-sedimentological analysis were performed. Here, we describe the palaeogeographical changes in this area, evolving from an open lagoon environment between ca. 3200 and ca. 500 cal. years BC to a semi-enclosed lagoon during Roman times. Progressively, the lagoon became silted and was isolated from the sea by the development of a large sand spit, probably during the second half of the first millennium AD. We also discuss the water depth, linked to the palaeo sea level, which is important in defining the possible ancient harbour location. Highlights A lagoon was situated near the city of Pollentia during Roman times. This lagoon probably hosted one of the city's harbours. Chronostratigraphy supports a harbour foundation between 1 st c. BC and the 1 st c. AD. A chronological gap of 1000 years suggests dredging.

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