Imported Building Materials of Sebastos Harbour, Israel

Abstract

Archaeological research of the remains of Herod the Great's Sebastos Harbour has identified foreign building materials, corroborating Josephus’ description of its construction. The three materials are 17,000 m3 of volcanic ash (pozzolana) from Puteoli, 11–14,000 m3 of timber from Seleucia Pieria, and cobblestones of unidentified origin. These materials and their importation are discussed, using past provenance analysis, new data, and historical and logistical considerations. The pozzolana and timber importation demanded dozens of transport ships, and is evidence of the sophistication of the construction of Sebastos Harbour and the efficient organization of the Mediterranean under Augustus’ control. © 2007 The Author

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