What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to reconstruct and assess the hydraulic behaviour of ancient Rubble-mound Conical Structures in Aegina, Greece.

May 11, 2026npj Heritage Science0 citationsOpen Access

Understanding the original morphology and hydraulic behaviour: the ancient rubble-mound conical structures of Aegina, Greece

MFMauro FrontiniUniversidad de Cantabria JLJavier L. LaraUniversidad de Cantabria LCLaro G. CanouraUniversidad de Cantabria

Key Points

The research aims to reconstruct and assess the hydraulic behaviour of ancient Rubble-mound Conical Structures in Aegina, Greece.
Developed reduced-scale physical models using archaeological and engineering data
Evaluated structural responses under simulated wave forcing conditions
Reconstructed original morphometry and construction techniques based on experimental data.
Structures likely emerged at construction around 480 BCE
Wave height significantly drives morphometric evolution, leading to stable configurations under storm conditions
Experimental results show over 82% agreement with present-day structures, validating the reconstruction approach.

Abstract

This study presents an experimental reconstruction and hydraulic assessment of the Rubble-mound Conical Structures (RmCS) of Aegina, a distinctive type of ancient harbour infrastructure. Reduced-scale physical models integrating archaeological, geophysical, and engineering data were developed to reproduce construction techniques, reconstruct original morphometry, and evaluate structural response under wave forcing. Results indicate that the structures were likely emergent at construction (ca. 480 BCE). Wave height is identified as the dominant driver of morphometric evolution, with experiments reproducing progressive equilibrium phases leading to a stable configuration under storm conditions. Comparison with present-day structures shows strong agreement (>82%), supporting the validity of the experimental approach. Findings suggest that RmCS were intentionally designed with oversized bases and elevated freeboards to enhance long-term resilience, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary methodologies for reconstructing and interpreting ancient maritime infrastructures.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper