Molecular organic indicators for human activities in the Roman harbor of Ephesus, Turkey

A significant increase in concentrations of organic substances, including n-alkanes, fatty acids, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), was detected in sediment cores from the Roman harbor of Ephesus. These changes indicate heightened anthropogenic activity during Ephesus' flourishing period, likely due to increased use of natural products like waxes and their discharge via municipal sewage or direct emission in the harbor area. While no single indicator substance directly reflects ancient harbor activities, systematic shifts in organic matter composition provide clear evidence of human influence on the environment. This approach demonstrates the potential for molecular organic indicators to detect past settlement activities, offering a transferable method for studying other sedimentary geoarchives.

Schwarzbauer, J., Stock, F., Brückner, H., Dsikowitzky, L., & Krichel, M. (2017). Molecular organic indicators for human activities in the Roman harbor of Ephesus, Turkey. Geoarchaeology, 33(4), 498–509. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.21669