Secrets of Archaeology Season 1 Episode 21 Cities Of The Sea And Wind

In season 1 episode 21 of Secrets of Archaeology, titled "Cities Of The Sea And Wind," the focus is on the ancient societies that flourished along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. These societies relied heavily on maritime trade and were able to establish new cities, cultures, and traditions. The episode looks at the remains of some of these cities to understand how they managed to survive and thrive in such a challenging environment.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, visiting ancient cities like Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos in modern-day Lebanon, and Sinope on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. The episode also explores the seafaring Phoenicians and their network of ports and trading posts, which stretched across the Mediterranean.

Viewers are introduced to the importance of wind-powered transportation in ancient times, and how the Greeks and Romans used their knowledge of wind patterns and currents to navigate the seas. The episode examines the remains of ancient windmills in Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini and their role in grinding grain and pumping water.

The episode also looks at the role of the sea in ancient mythology and religion. The ancient Greeks believed that the god Poseidon controlled the waters, and many coastal cities dedicated temples and made offerings to the sea. The episode visits the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion in Greece to see how the ancient Greeks worshiped the sea god.

Another fascinating aspect explored in the episode is the underwater archaeology of cities that were submerged due to natural disasters or rising sea levels. For example, the city of Heracleion, located in the delta of the Nile river in Egypt, was a prosperous trading center until it was destroyed by a combination of earthquakes and floods. The episode shows how archaeologists have been able to explore the underwater ruins of Heracleion using advanced technology.

All in all, "Cities Of The Sea And Wind" takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the ancient world, exploring the cities, societies, and traditions that thrived along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. By examining the remains of these civilizations, the episode provides insights into how people in the ancient world managed to overcome challenges and establish thriving and prosperous cities.