My research groups on Aegean Archaeology developed skills in the blue economies of the ancient Mediterranean: sailing techniques, sea-trade, sea-routes, purple production, fishing equipment, fisheries, fish-processing, salt production, recycling of sea-related products in other production cycles, from prehistory to the Roman era. Sail-making has been very important for various communities in different historical periods, as well as purple making and salt production. The by-products of purple making (mainly crushed shells) have been widely reused in building activities and in plaster preparation. Purple working, fisheries and fish-processing have often been carried out in close-by plants, based on suitable locations and near connecting trade ports. I am in touch with colleagues specialised in the study of the ancient sea-related fauna and ancient sea-environment.
Our group is presently involved in research on ancient sail-making, fishing net-weights, and has already published some work on the ancient sea-routes in the Mediterranean. We are active in the Aegean (mainly Crete), Cyprus and Sardinia, but we can easily extend our interests to other Mediterranean areas.
PA1 - Transitioning the blue economy sectors for sustainability and strategic autonomy
PA4 - Building resilience in coastal communities with infrastructure and businesses
With my research group, we could contribute to any project needing a historical background. Sustainability was a must in ancient times, when nothing would have been thrown away if it could have been reused somehow. PA1 - Some ancient practices could inspire modern solutions for sustainability and autonomy. PA4 - The reappropriation of the ancient blue heritage can foster coastal community resilience and autonomy and be the basis of infrastructure and business aimed at touristic development. We can cover various areas of the Mediterraean during ancient times.
blue economy, sustainability, coastal community, resilience, education, history, ancient fisheries, purple, sea-trade, archaeology