More evidence unearthed at

ancient port of Muziris

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Archaeological excavations being undertaken at Pattanam, a village near Kochi.

Pattanam has been identified as Muziris, the ancient port described in Roman
and Tamil Sangam texts. Photo: Thulasi Kakkat

'

A semi precious stone

with a pouncing lion figure carved on it was found at the Pattanam site. Photo:
Thulasi Kakkat

SLIDESHOW

Pattanam excavations - Reconstructing life

TOPICS
arts, culture and entertainment
culture (general)

history

Pattanam, a small village located 25 km north of Kochi, is the new

pilgrimage spot on the international archaeological map. This quiet
place, archaeologists now confirm, was once the flourishing port
known to the Romans as Muziris and sung in praise by the Tamil
Sangam poets as Muciri.

Every year since 2005, excavations have yielded artefacts, structures

and even a canoe in one instance to confirm this conclusion. This year
has also been productive for archaeologists.
A figure of a pouncing lion carved in great detail on a semi precious
stone and a bright micro metal object with intricate designs are two of
the special objects found during the ongoing excavations that began
in February. Copper antimony rods, usually associated with cosmetic
use, were also found.
The semi precious stone with the lion figure measures about 2 cm and
is rounded at the edge. It appears to be part of a pendant or a ring.
The object is yet to be dated in a scientific manner, but going by the
depth at which it was found, it is tentatively placed in the early
historic period 1st century BCE to 4th century CE. It was during
this time that trade with the West Asian and Roman ports was
extensive.
P.J. Cherian, director, Pattanam Excavation, thinks these ornamental
metal objects and work on semi- precious stones reflect the fine
artisanship that was prevalent at that time.
Dr. Cherian's team has found a multitude of pottery shards, including
that of a Roman amphora, early Chera coins, turquoise glazed pottery
and cameo blanks (cameos were popular jewellery in ancient Rome).
These attest to the existence of an active habitation and trading
activities.
Despite abundant references in Roman and Tamil texts, Muziris, the
famous western trade post, remained elusive to archaeologists for
long.

Places such as Thiruvanchikulam and Kodungallur were initially

thought to be Muziris, but excavations at these places did not yield
any evidence. The trail excavations at Pattanam began in 2005, and
the evidence obtained since has finally helped archaeologists locate
the ancient port.
In 2006, the Kerala government launched the Muziris Heritage
Project to scientifically retrieve and preserve the legacy of Muziris.
The Kerala Council for Historical Research has undertaken interdisciplinary archaeological research, and the fourth season of
excavations is on.