Monday, February 14, 2005
Tsunami uncovered ancient artifacts
As a result of the December 26 tsunami, archaeologists have discovered stone structures from the 7th century AD off the coast of India's Tamil Nadu state. For three years, archaeologists have been conducting underwater expeditions to explore the remains of an ancient port city there. The latest finds, including the granite lion seen here, were partially uncovered after the tsunami caused the coastline to recede. The tsunami also desilted a mostly-obscured giant rock relief of an elephant on the nearby Mahabalipuram temple. From a BBC News report:
LinkThe myths of Mahabalipuram were first set down in writing by British traveller J Goldingham, who visited the South Indian coastal town in 1798, at which time it was known to sailors as the Seven Pagodas.
The myths speak of six temples submerged beneath the waves with the seventh temple still standing on the seashore.
The myths also state that a large city which once stood on the site was so beautiful the gods became jealous and sent a flood that swallowed it up entirely in a single day.
posted by David Pescovitz at 10:22:48 AM permalink | Other blogs' comments
