Historical ports


Historical ports may be found where ancient civilizations have developed maritime trade.
One of the world's oldest known artificial harbors is at Wadi al-Jarf on the Red Sea. Along with the finding of harbor structures, ancient anchors have also been found.

Ancient China

was an important port during the ancient times as far back as the Qin Dynasty.

Ancient Egypt

was the principal port in Egypt for Greek trade before the foundation of Alexandria.

Ancient Greece

Athens' port of Piraeus was the base for the Athenian fleet and this played a crucial role in the Battle of Salamis against the Achaemenid Empire in 480 BC.

Ancient India

Port of Chittagong has been a recorded seaport since the 4th century BCE. In the 2nd century, the harbor appeared on Ptolemy's map, drawn by the Claudius Ptolemy. The map mentions the harbor as one of the finest in the Eastern world. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea documents trade between Chittagong and private merchants from Roman Egypt.
Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilisation, located in the Bhāl region of the modern state of Gujarāt and dating from 3700 BCE.

Ancient Rome

was the port of ancient Rome with Portus established by Claudius and enlarged by Trajan to supplement the nearby port of Ostia.
Messina, sited on the Strait of Messina, also has a history as an ancient port.

Japan

During the Edo period, the island of Dejima was the only port open for trade with Europe and only received one Dutch ship per year, whereas Osaka was the largest domestic port and the main trade hub for rice.