Postglacial Black Sea level rising, urban development and adaption of historic places. The case-study of the city-peninsula of Nesebar (Bulgaria)

Rising Black Sea levels have significantly reshaped the coastal dynamics of Nessebar, Bulgaria, threatening its historic urban structures. The study reveals that ancient fortifications and buildings, particularly those from the 8th to 13th centuries, were strategically positioned near the base of the peninsular slope rather than along the ancient coastline, likely as an adaptive response to rising sea levels. The research identifies destructive hydrodynamic forces—waves, currents, wind, and sediment transport—as key factors contributing to coastal erosion, which has exposed and damaged historic structures. The study combines geological analysis of Miocene limestone formations with underwater surveys to trace the extent of coastal abrasion, providing critical insights into the vulnerability of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to climate-induced changes.

Preshlenov, H. (2022). Postglacial Black Sea level rising, urban development and adaption of historic places. The case-study of the city-peninsula of Nesebar (Bulgaria). Internet Archaeology, (60). https://doi.org/10.11141/ia.60.5