Using a multi-proxy approach to locate the elusive Phoenician/Persian anchorage of Tel Akko (Israel)

Previous geoarchaeological research on the Akko coastal plain have contributed to understanding of ancient interface and added evidence as location/shift anchorages dating from Middle Bronze Age (beginning 2nd Millennium BC) Early Hellenistic period (mid century site Tel Akko. The present provides new insights into environmental changes likely anchorage sites along western edge in 1st BC (Iron II III, periods associated with Phoenician mariners Persian army incursion). Our approach for locating is based a detailed investigation subsurface sediments combining sedimentological faunal analysis radiocarbon cores well identification ceramic sherds found cores, ground penetrating radar (GPR) electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys. Paleoenvironmental are compared contrasted results archaeological investigations tell its vicinity. data demonstrates that Phoenician/Persian maritime was mainly oriented toward southwestern area where natural been located. At time, water depth this ca. 2m, allowing seagoing vessels. Increasing sediment deposition lead deterioration direct, eventual loss access, sea. These conditions initiated abandonment westward shift habitation peninsula, now ‘Old city Akko’, Crusaders' Saint Jean d’Acre.