Arikamedu In Pondicherry

Arikamedu

Ancient Roman Trade Port in Puducherry, India Arikamedu is a fascinating archaeological site located in Kakkayanthope, within the Ariyankuppam Commune of Puducherry, South India. Just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) south of Pondicherry city, this historic site offers deep insights into ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange between India and the Roman Empire.

Discovering Arikamedu's Roman Connection

The ancient port of Arikamedu was first excavated by Sir Mortimer Wheeler in 1945, followed by further digs conducted by Jean-Marie Casal between 1947 and 1950. These early excavations identified the site as the legendary “Podouke”, mentioned in classical texts like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and by Ptolemy. Podouke was described as a major "emporium"—a thriving trading hub along the ancient maritime silk route.

Artifacts unearthed at Arikamedu include:

- Roman Amphorae (used for storing wine and olive oil)
- Arretine ware (fine Roman pottery)
- Glassware and lamps
- Stone and glass beads
- Precious and semi-precious gems

Based on these findings, Wheeler concluded that Arikamedu was a Greek-Roman trading post, actively engaged in commerce with the Mediterranean world during the reign of Augustus Caesar. Trade is believed to have flourished here from the late 1st century BCE to the 2nd century CE.

Extended Timeline and New Insights

Later research by archaeologist Dr. Vimala Begley (1989–1992) expanded the known timeline of Arikamedu’s occupation. Her findings suggest the site's history spans from as early as the 2nd century BCE to the 8th century CE, indicating prolonged cultural and commercial activity.

One of the most significant discoveries includes Indo-Pacific beads, which helped date different layers of settlement. The site also contains red and black megalithic pottery (locally known as Pandukal in Tamil), which were traditionally used to mark burial sites and suggest pre-trade human presence at Arikamedu.

Strategic Location of Arikamedu

Arikamedu is situated along the banks of the Ariyankuppam River (also known as the Virampattinam River), a distributary of the Gingee River that flows into the Bay of Bengal. The river’s bend near the site provided a natural harbor, sheltering sea vessels and making it an ideal location for international trade.

Today, Arikamedu lies within a quiet fishing village governed by the Ariankuppam Panchayat, along the Pondicherry-Cuddalore road. Spread over 34.57 acres (13.99 hectares), this historic site has been under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1982 and remains open to visitors and researchers interested in ancient history.