During the period 7-11 October 2024, an extensive maritime archaeological survey was carried out near the archaeological site of Asini, east of Tolo in Argolida. The site is located in close proximity to the present village of Tolo. Thanks to its favourable location, this site was inhabited in both prehistoric and historical times.

The excavation was carried out as part of a five-year research project that started in 2022, as a continuation of the pilot research carried out in 2021 and was a collaboration between the Ephorate of Maritime Antiquities, the Swedish Institute of Athens and the University of Stockholm, with participants from the University of Gothenburg and the Nordic Maritime Group. The Greek side was directed by Dr Panagiota Galiatsatou, Diving Archaeologist of the Ephorate of Maritime Antiquities, and the Swedish side by Professor Ann-Louise Schallin (Scientific Director, University of Stockholm) and Dr Niklas Eriksson (Field Director, University of Stockholm). Also participating were Ms. Ekaterini Tagonidou, Diving Architect-Engineer at the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, Mr. Themistoklis Troupakis, Diving Engineer TE, BA Jens Lindström, from the Nordic Maritime Group and MA Staffan Von Arbin, from the University of Gothenburg.

The archaeological investigations of 2021 and 2022 had revealed the extent and nature of a large artificial port facility east of Kastraki. The main structure consists of a large artificial plateau located in shallow waters. On top of this plateau, rooms and building structures in the form of houses can probably be discerned. These remains were recorded using photogrammetry during the research period of 2022 as they were in need of further investigation. As the settlement of Assini was consistently inhabited since prehistoric times, it is difficult to ascertain when this port facility was originally constructed.

The 2024 maritime excavation survey focused on the seabed near the north-western end of the artificial platform. This particular site was chosen on the basis that the artificial plateau survives there in good condition and appears to have retained much of its original shape. The area occupied by the excavated section was 16 sq m. The excavated area was documented by photogrammetry at points where the diversity and variety of archaeological assemblages dictated.

The 2024 fieldwork showed that the seabed retains significant remains of the stone-built port facility. These consist of fallen material, such as stones and treated building materials. Probably the most important finds are the amphora shells found in the stone structure and the broken pottery in sector 4A. The assemblages of these fragmentary surviving vessels suggest that they were deposited during the use of the platform or at the time of its abandonment and fall. They can therefore be used as clues in the discussion on the dating of the construction.

The next step will be to make one or possibly two incisions at the top of the plateau. The section will be excavated by hand and the sediments removed by dredging. Any artefacts and building remains will be recorded in situ using photogrammetry.

The results of the research will be published in Opuscula, the scientific journal of the Swedish Institutes of Athens and Rome, and other scientific journals.