Archaeological evidence for unusually rapid holocene uplift rates in an active normal faulting terrain: Roman Harbor of Aigeira,Gulf of Corinth,Greece

Archaeological and biological evidence indicates that the approximate sea level position of A.D. 150–250, the period of construction of the ancient harbor of Aigeira (Gulf of Corinth, Greece), can be identified at the height of 4 m above present sea level. The exposed ancient structure permits a direct observation of harbor construction techniques of the Roman period and study of the Late Holocene uplift of the area, characterized by a terrace staircase morphology. The harbor uplift is related to a series of earthquakes, one of which was possibly responsible for the demise of Aigeira in the 3rd century A.D. The corresponding rate of uplift is estimated to 2.4–3.0 mm/yr; it is consistent with available radiocarbon data and is among the highest uplift rates ever recorded in normal faulting environments. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.