From May 2 to 7, 2017, an artificial and archaeological reef was established at Tour Fondue in the town of Hyères (83). 150 amphorae over 2000 years old were placed 6 meters deep on the site of an underwater trail at Pointe de Bouvet.
> Discover the archaeological site in 360° immersion here, as if you were there! <
It took a year of preparation to succeed in giving these archaeological treasures a second life. This challenge was met by the AREVPAM (Association for Research, Study, and Enhancement of Mediterranean Heritage) and the city of Hyères, who reconstructed a cargo of submerged amphorae. « We tried to recreate the shape of a shipwreck on which we placed the ancient vases » says Nicolas Ponzone, a member of AREVPAM.
A meticulous workWith the help of volunteers, the association undertook significant preliminary work to inventory, select the amphorae, repair some, identify them, and handle all the administrative aspects to create such an artificial archaeological reef. « We selected the amphorae based on their historical significance, explains Nicolas Ponzone, some of them had engraved cartouches, a hallmark of the era that allowed us to recognize and choose them for submersion.« A return to the waterThese amphorae belonged to the cargo of La Madrague, a sailing ship that wrecked off the coast of the Giens Peninsula in the years 75-60 BC. The ship carried thousands of amphorae, and more than 800 were recovered from the water when the wreck was excavated in 1970. For 47 years, they have remained stored out of view. 30 of these jars were first submerged in 2014. An additional 120 amphorae were successfully placed by divers at 6 meters deep.
The site is accessible from the beach of Tour Fondue, on the underwater trail of Pointe du Bouvet, marked in summer. It is possible to admire these ancient treasures from the surface, snorkeling or scuba diving. AREVPAM advises » going through a facility to benefit from the safety and environmental and archaeological insights. » Snorkeling tours will be organized on this archaeological trail during the Galathéa Festival in Hyères.
Margot Harty