In May 2024, a groundbreaking field campaign commenced in the Callatis-Beidaud area, marking a significant step forward in our understanding of the region’s paleo-environment. This initiative involved the completion of 200 meters of geo-electric (ERT) profiles and the excavation of five boreholes, each reaching depths of up to 8 meters. These boreholes were meticulously sampled for a range of analyses, including sedimentary, chronological, and paleo-ecological studies, focusing on grain size, organic matter content, pollen, meiofauna, and charcoal.
These efforts aim to reconstruct the ancient environment surrounding the Callatis and Beidaud archaeological sites. Early data collected in 2023 hinted at the presence of deposits from natural cataclysmic events in the Manalia area. The new samples obtained in May 2024 are poised to provide a more detailed understanding of these events through comprehensive multi-proxy analyses.
The insights gained from this research could significantly alter our perception of natural hazards along the southern Romanian Black Sea coast, potentially redefining the region’s coastal risk profile. As scientists delve deeper into these findings, we inch closer to unraveling the ancient secrets buried beneath Callatis and Beidaud, shedding light on the historical forces that have shaped this unique landscape.
