Geohistorical and geoarchaeological evidence of seafaring in the Caspian Sea: Lessons from the past to draw the future.

AbstractThe Caspian Sea, the Earth’s largest lake, straddles the continents of Asia and Europe and has historically served as both a barrier and a conduit for human development. The maritime activities within the Caspian Sea have been profoundly shaped by its dynamic sea-level fluctuations, coastal geomorphology, and climatic conditions as well as the socioeconomic and geopolitical situation. Despite a rich history of navigation and numerous related monuments, there has been a scarcity of research on marine archaeological evidence assessing the influence of historical environmental and socioeconomic shifts on the development of maritime activities in the Caspian Sea. In this study, we employed geohistorical, geoarchaeological, and archaeological methodologies to unearth evidence of maritime activities along the Caspian’s southern coast. We investigated 12 archaeological sites and historical shipwrecks, unveiling their maritime historical and archaeological significance. Our findings indicate that there are two distinct patterns of port migration. The transverse migration of ports has predominantly occurred in reaction to swift changes in Caspian Sea level. Additionally, we have identified a long-term migration of ports from the eastern to the western extremities of the southern coast, driven by geopolitical, socioeconomic, and environmental transformations. Drawing on historical and archaeological insights, and considering contemporary global initiatives aimed at forging east–west and north–south connections through the Caspian Sea, as well as the ongoing climatic changes affecting the Caspian Sea level, we anticipate a forthcoming wave of port migrations along its coastlines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]