Puducherry
Explanation
Arikamedu was a major coastal settlement and urban centre in ancient India, functioning as a pivotal hub for maritime trade between the Indian subcontinent and the Roman Empire during the Early Historic period.
Detailed Analysis:
- Location: The archaeological site of Arikamedu is located in the Union Territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry), situated on the bank of the Ariyankuppam River.
- Historical Identification: It is widely identified with the port of Poduke mentioned in the Greco-Roman text Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.
- Archaeological Evidence: Excavations, most notably by Sir Mortimer Wheeler in the 1940s, unearthed significant evidence of Roman trade. Key findings include Roman amphorae (used for transporting wine or oil), Arretine ware (distinctive red-glazed pottery), and Roman glass beads. These artifacts confirm that Arikamedu was a flourishing "emporium" or trading station.
Key Takeaway:
Arikamedu is an ancient Indo-Roman trading port located in Puducherry, famous for the discovery of Roman artifacts like amphorae and Arretine ware.