Cadiz, a city with a noteworthy Phoenician-Punic fishing and seafaring heritage, was one of the most important ports in the western Mediterranean between the Republican and High Imperial eras. Despite its significance as a port city, there are few remaining archeological structures from its original port due to modern port development, a trend also observed at other major Atlantic-Mediterranean port cities. Therefore, to gain insight into the port’s past, we must rely on indirect evidence such as its prominent lighthouse and extensive network of secondary wharfs. Thanks to recent geo-archeological research, it has been confirmed that the archipelago maintained its insular character until late Classical Antiquity, which goes against the established belief that the inter-island strait (also known as the «bay-caleta channel») had been partially sealed off since the Phoenician era, with two ports (interior and exterior) existing in the area. We also provide a concise analysis of the enclave’s significance in the international trade network, highlighting the production and distribution of salted amphorae, as well as the importing of luxury goods as two key indicators of its economic power.
Port archeology, Gades, geo-archeology, maritime trade.