The recently discovered archaeological site Pattanam, located in central Kerala, India, is generating buzz among historians and archaeologists. This exciting find unveils an intricate picture of a thriving urban center dating back as early as the 5th century B.C., up to the 5th century A.D. In this article, we delve into what makes this discovery so significant, with insights into the Greco-Roman Classical Age and ancient South Indian civilization.
Understanding Pattanam: An Ancient Urban Hub
Pattanam stands unique as the only multi-cultural archaeological site on the southwestern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Despite only having explored less than 1% of the site, researchers have gathered evidence suggesting that Pattanam was a bustling urban center around the 5th century A.D., peaking between 100 B.C. and A.D. 300.
Historically known as Muziris, Pattanam was a notable trading hub. It played host to cultural and commercial exchanges between the Greco-Roman classical age and the ancient South Indian civilization. The name Muziris is thought to stem from the Tamil word ‘Muciri’, symbolizing ‘the land of seven rivers’.
Unearthing History: The Pattanam Excavations
The excavations provide rich testimony of Pattanam’s technological, metallurgical, literary, and artistic advancement, further pointing towards rigorous cultural and commercial exchanges. Over 45 lakh sherds (ceramic fragments) have been unearthed, including approximately 1.4 lakh belonging to Mediterranean littoral regions and the River Nile, Red Sea, western and eastern Indian Oceans, and the South China Sea. Significant findings comprise seals of a sphinx, indigenous to the ancient Greek city of Thebes.
Pattanam Society: Surprising Aspects
Interestingly, there’s no sign of an institutionalized religion or caste system in ancient Pattanam. Researchers found no idols, places of worship, or sophisticated weaponry, suggesting that Pattanam was home to a peace-loving society without religious and caste boundaries.
Pattanam’s burial practices involved cremating the dead first and then ceremoniously burying the skeletal remains, known as ‘secondary’ burial. Such evidence points towards a secular ethos prevalent within their society, with similar burial customs applied to people from diverse backgrounds.
The Significance of Pattanam
The Pattanam site offers enormous value for those seeking alternatives to community living beyond casteless societies, possibly hinting towards a closer connection with nature.
The Greco-Roman Classical Age Explained
The Greco-Roman classical age refers to a historical period extending from the 8th century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., characterized by significant influence from Greek and Roman cultures across the Mediterranean world and beyond.
This era witnessed remarkable achievements in art, literature, philosophy, science, and politics, laying foundational cultural traditions still shaping the modern world today. Some of history’s most influential thinkers, artists, and leaders emerged from this period, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, whose ideas continue to inspire humanity.