Pattanam

Pattanam is a significant archaeological site located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. It gained prominence through extensive excavations that began in 2001 and have continued intermittently since then. The site is believed to be the location of the ancient port of Muziris, a once-thriving commercial hub that played a crucial role in trade between the Roman Empire and India.

The excavations at Pattanam have unearthed a rich assemblage of artifacts, providing invaluable insights into the region's historical and cultural landscape. Among the key discoveries are pottery shards, beads, coins, and remnants of ancient structures. A notable find is a large number of Roman amphorae, indicating extensive trade connections with the Roman world. The presence of black and red ware pottery, and rouletted ware further points to the antiquity of the site.

The archaeological evidence suggests that Pattanam was an active port from around the 1st century BCE to the 10th century CE. The strategic location of Pattanam, situated near the mouth of the Periyar River, would have facilitated maritime trade. The findings have been instrumental in understanding Kerala's early history, its economic activities, and its integration into global trade networks during the early centuries of the Common Era. Ongoing research and analysis of the artifacts continue to shed more light on the vibrant past of this ancient port.