Man & Environment, 2008. Vol.
33 (2): 113
Arikamedu: Its Place in the Ancient Rome - India Contacts
S. Suresh
2007. Delhi: Embassy of Italy, Pages 126.
In this book, Sethuraman Suresh has compiled available Arikamedu, the author concludes that trade contacts with
data on Arikamedu and other equally significant, lesser- the Mediterranean region began in the late 3rd century
known ancient trade sites in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu. B.C. and the site was under continuous occupation till the
Several ports have been surveyed and excavated along the end of the 18th century.
east coast of India, but not a single comprehensive mono-
Chapter 4 is focuses on the author's recent field
graph covering the archaeological and historical aspects of
studies in the ancient satellite settlements around
a particular site has been published, except some excava-
Arikamedu. Before the beginning of South India's mari-
tion reports, such as the Arikamedu Excavation Reports by
time trade with the Roman world, many sites in the
Vimala Begley et al. (1996, 2004). Suresh's present
surrounding region were inhabited by the Megalithic
monograph is thus a unique and pioneering attempt and
people. Such sites include Parikal, Sengamedu, Suttukeni
adds a new dimension to the study of Arikamedu.
and Tiruvakkarai. Arikamedu had commercial and cultural
The book is divided into five chapters followed by contacts with these sites. During the period of Roman
appendices, glossary and bibliography. In the first chapter, trade, the main ports along the Coromandel Coast were
the author provides a historical overview of the trade Vasavasamudram, Karaikadu, Kaveripattinam,
between ancient Rome and India. Tamil and Roman Alagankulam and Korkai, with which Arikamedu inter-
literary sources, numismatic evidence and Indian artefacts acted. The chapter concludes with details of the location of
reported in Africa and the Arabia-Persia regions are the sites, and the finds revealed by explorations and digs in
discussed. Further, the causes for decline of the trade and each of these satellite sites. Such finds include Roman
its subsequent impact on both Rome and India have also amphorae, Rouletted ware, beads, jars, terracotta ring
been deliberated. wells, brick structures and coins.
Chapter 2 deals with trade routes. Here, the author has The last chapter has been devoted to recommendations.
described the Silk Route, the sea route between the The author has discussed, how Arikamedu is historically very
Mediterranean Sea and southern India through the Red different from all the other sites. The chapter also details the
Sea, use of monsoon winds by the mariners, trade routes present physical condition of Arikamedu and the natural and
within the Indian subcontinent and finally, the routes manmade threats to the site. The final section of the chapter
between India and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the distribution provides suggestions for developing Arikamedu as an ar-
pattern and chronology of the Roman coins and other chaeological tourism destination. Presently, the Chennai
Roman antiquities in South India and Sri Lanka confirms Chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural
the use of many trade routes in these regions. Heritage (INTACH) is organizing tours, for serious tourists
and students, to Arikamedu as part of a bigger 'Roman Trail
The archaeology and history of Arikamedu has been
Tour' of South India.
covered in chapter 3. The author has discussed the location
of, and approach to the site, and has put forth various Appendix-I lists the Roman coin finds at spots in
suggestions pertaining to the literal meaning of the name Kerala, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu and Appendix-II lists
'Arikamedu'. The site has been excavated by several the amphorae find sites in the same region. This is fol-
scholars at different times. The Madras Museum excavated lowed by a useful glossary of some of the rarer and non-
the site in 1940 (directed by A. Aiyappan). The French English terms used in this book. At the end, there are two
scholars Brother L. Faucheux and R. Surleau excavated it bibliographies: Bibliography -1 related to the ancient
between 1941 and 1944. R.E.M. Wheeler excavated Rome-India contacts and Bibliography - II exclusively
Arikamedu in 1945. Between 1947 and 1950 Casal has covering works directly relating or referring to Arikamedu.
conducted excavations here. More recently, Vimala Begley
The book is an essential addition to the existing
excavated the site between 1989 and 1992. Prior to these
literature on the maritime trade contacts of India. Well-
excavations, Arikamedu has been described in certain
illustrated and attractively produced, the book will be
travel accounts. For example, Guillaume Le Gentil, the
useful to students, researchers and all others interested in
French astronomer, observed several brick walls, terracotta
ancient trade and Arikamedu. (This is NIO Contribution
ring wells and various types of pottery at the site during his
No. 4467).
visit, between 1768 and 1771. Further, the site has been
referred by Jouveau-Dubreuil in 1937 and M. Goloubew in Sila Tripati
1939. Finds from Arikamedu are now scattered in various Marine Archaeology Centre
museums and institutes in India and abroad and some are National Institute of Ocenography
even in private collections. Investigating the antiquity of Dona Paula, Goa 403 004
