Ancient Treasures Unearthed During Greek Pipeline Construction
By Michael Reed
(P&GJ) — I was reminded by something I read recently that pipeline projects, at times, have played a significant role in advancing history in ways other than simply providing sources of energy along the way.
Not so long ago, for example, in the city of Drama, Greece, ancient treasures were discovered during the 2016 digging that took place during the construction of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), recently went on display at “Underground Drama,” which was co-sponsored by gas distribution company Hellenic Gas Distribution Company.
These fascinating discoveries were presented at “Underground Drama,” a special event co-organized by the Hellenic Gas Distribution Company Enaon EDA and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Drama at the city’s archaeological museum.
TAP has been in service since 2022, supplying natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe crossing 13 regional of units of the nation, from Evros to Kastoria, along its 546-mile (878-km) route.
The pipeline itself is certainly a source of pride for many Greek people, considering what an engineering achievement it represents, and how it contributed to the growth of communities, but face it, historical treasures are considerably more accessible to the populace – once, unlike the pipeline, they are transported above ground and visible.
Among other things, the “Underground Drama” discoveries have shed new light on the city’s long and often unknown history, revealing the uninterrupted human presence from the Hellenistic era through the Byzantine period, roughly beginning in 320 B.C. through 330 A.D.
“In the case of large-scale … infrastructure projects … the encounter between the creations of today and the tangible evidence of history becomes almost inevitable,” Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture and Sports, said of the discovery, according to the publication, Greek Reporter.
Mendoni also stressed the constitutional obligation of both the state and private entities to ensure cultural heritage is protected while facilitating modern development – an obligation threshold passed with flying colors by TAP.
Among the notable finds in the Drama region were ancient burials sites, domestic structures, coins, pottery and sections of cobbled streets. Rescue excavations not only protected these sites but also provided invaluable insights into the region’s continuously inhabited history.
A large team of archaeologists worked to ensure that pipeline construction avoided or preserved significant heritage sites, and in some instances, such as the discovery of a post-Byzantine church and an ancient wall, the pipeline was rerouted or special equipment was used to avoid damage.
More than 600 archaeologists worked at peak periods along the pipeline, ensuring strict adherence to national and international heritage protection standards.
Further finds uncovered similar objects, but none as dramatic as the discovery of two unmarked tombs, including one belonging to a young woman who was laid to rest with a bronze mirror, a silver spatula and a silver coin from the ancient city of Philippi.
To its credit, TAP implemented comprehensive cultural heritage management protocols, including pre-construction assessments, continuous site monitoring, and stop-work procedures in the event of additional unexpected discoveries. The company’s approach was recognized as a cooperation model for future efforts between large infrastructure developers and heritage authorities, successfully balancing modern development with the preservation of cultural history.
The ambitious undertaking has not only advanced energy infrastructure but also paved the way for unprecedented archaeological research, unearthing over four hundred previously unknown sites from prehistoric to Ottoman periods.
“This partnership between modern technology and culture shows how development and heritage protection can go hand in hand,” Francesca Zanninotti, CEO of Enaon EDA, said of the cooperative effort.
In short, not a bad look for a pipeline company. Especially one that successfully provided a cost-effective, direct transportation route that opened up the 2,715-mile (3,500-km) Southern Gas Corridor, stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe.