Archaeologists in Trabzon, Turkey, have made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing one of the world’s only three known ancient river ports. The structure, found buried nearly eight meters (26 feet) beneath the modern city, provides unprecedented insight into the sophisticated logistics and trade networks of the Black Sea region, stretching back at least 2,000 years. The find confirms the historical importance of Trabzon, a city with deep Greek roots known in antiquity as Trapezus, as a vital commercial hub for successive empires.
The discovery was made in the Pazarkapı neighborhood during excavations that began in 2020 and intensified in 2024. According to a report by Arkeonews, the structure functioned as an inland harbor connected to the Kuzgundere Stream. Unlike conventional sea harbors, river ports allowed for the seamless transfer of goods between maritime trade routes and inland caravan trails, a feature considered exceptionally rare in ancient engineering.
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One of the features at the ancient port discovered in Trabzon, Turkey (İHA)
A Multi-Layered Harbor of Empires
Led by archaeologist Vedat Keleş and conservation specialist Yaşar Selçuk Şener, the research team has dated the core of the quay wall to the Roman period, between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD. However, the port’s story did not end there. Archaeological layers reveal that it was continuously used and modified through the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, and even into the early years of the Turkish Republic. This long history of use demonstrates that the harbor was a vital and adaptable piece of infrastructure for over two millennia.
Roman-era stonework forms the foundation of the impressive 135-meter-long (443 feet) and 2-meter-thick (6.5 feet) quay wall. Later additions, including Byzantine ceramics and structural repairs, show how the port was maintained and adapted by the Eastern Roman Empire.
During the Ottoman era, the area appears to have been repurposed for storage and trade, highlighting Trabzon’s enduring role as a key Black Sea trade center. The port was eventually buried under modern urban development, its existence forgotten until now.
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The massive quay wall of the ancient river port, which stretches for 135 meters. (İHA)
Uncovering the Port’s Structure and Treasures
Excavations have revealed the impressive scale of the port complex. The main quay wall features two large gates, one with an arch, which likely controlled the flow of goods between the harbor and adjacent market or storage areas. The discovery of perpendicular walls at lower levels further supports the theory that this was a bustling commercial zone, complete with warehouses and shops. This layout points to a highly organized system for managing the vast quantities of goods that passed through the city.
Artifacts unearthed at the site provide concrete evidence of Trabzon’s extensive trade connections. Among the most significant finds is a Crimean-made oil lamp, which confirms direct trade links with the Crimean Peninsula, a major partner in Black Sea commerce. As noted by the Greek Reporter, numerous Byzantine-era pottery fragments and other trade objects were also found, proving that Trabzon’s commercial history is even older than previously thought.
From Greek Trapezus to a Global Trade Hub
The discovery of the river port reinforces the deep historical significance of Trabzon, which was originally founded as the Greek colony of Trapezus in the 8th century BC by settlers from Miletus. The city’s strategic location on the Black Sea coast made it a natural gateway connecting Anatolia, the Caucasus, and Persia. Long before the Romans constructed the newly discovered quay, Trapezus was a thriving Greek maritime hub. The Greek historian Xenophon even mentioned the city in his Anabasis, recounting how his Ten Thousand soldiers reached the city in 401 BC.
The port’s continuous operation through the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires highlights its critical role in global trade. The discovery of this sophisticated inland harbor system shows that the city’s economic success was built not just on its coastal location, but on advanced engineering that facilitated a smooth flow of goods between land and sea. The restoration of the site is now underway, with teams carefully removing modern cement repairs and using historically appropriate materials to preserve this unique structure for future generations.
The discovery of the Pazarkapı river port is a landmark achievement in Black Sea archaeology. It not only redefines our understanding of ancient logistics and urban planning but also solidifies Trabzon’s place as a pivotal center of commerce for millennia. As excavations and restoration continue, the port is expected to reveal even more secrets about the interconnected world of the past.
Top image: The archaeological site of the ancient river port in Trabzon, Turkey. Source: İHA
By Gary Manners
References
Buyukyildirim, O., 2026. One of the World’s Three Known Ancient River Ports Identified in Trabzon. Arkeonews. Available at: https://arkeonews.net/rare-discovery-one-of-the-worlds-three-known-ancient-river-ports-identified-in-trabzon/
Zahid, N., 2026. Ancient River Port Discovered Beneath Trabzon Reveals Greek Roots and 2,000 Years of Trade. Greek Reporter. Available at: https://greekreporter.com/2026/02/11/ancient-river-port-trabzon-greek-roots-trade/
