Geomorphology, Siltation, and the Ancient Economy: A Case-Study of Miletos

Author: Amari Pavati

Field of Study: Classical Civilization; Geography

Faculty Mentors: Nate Andrade

Easel: 4

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: The rapidly-growing alluvial plain of the Büyuk Menderes (Maeander River) in antiquity posed a major problem for the economic hub of Miletos. Ancient accounts, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence show the attempts to mitigate effects of the changing topography. Ports appear to have been dredged, moles were built, and channels were dug. This analysis shows that ancient people keenly understood their changing environment and made adaptations until adapting became untenable. Particularly challenging was siltation. The gradual accumulation of silt in ports eventually made them unusable—which was largely or entirely responsible for the population decline of Miletos. This analysis also suggests, based on a wide dataset of ancient ports, that similar problems, adaptations, and eventual failures were endemic across ancient cities, and the challenge of siltation specifically affected around 50%.