Climate changes and natural phenomena cause intense and constant modifications of the coastline. They become more evident when combined with human activities that affect and often alter the natural morphology of the coastal zone. Research at Amathus has traced valuable indicators of modifications that justify these phenomena throughout the long history of the area.

Wells: Six built wells have been located in the shallow zone along the Amathus coastline (depth -0,60 – -0,95m) while there are indications of the existence of more. Three of them have been excavated in the harbour basin (Well 1, Well 2, Well 3). Three more wells (Well 4, 5, 6) are located in front of the southeast Basilica, under the boulders that have been recently placed to provide protection of the slope against erosion. Since the wells were originally built on dry land (by the 4th century BCE) and remained in use during Late Antiquity (between 5th and 7th centuries CE), they are indisputable indicators of coastline and sea-level changes. The exact date of their submersion, however, as well as the physical processes that led to it, are still under investigation.

Beachrock: A clastic sedimentary sandstone formed when suspended disintegrating material is deposited at the tidal zone, the point where the seawater covers the coastline. Beachrock formations have been located around the centre of the Amathus harbour basin with an east-west orientation, parallel to the modern coastline. As today they are located under the surface of the sea (at a depth of -1m) and not on the tidal zone, they are a safe geomorphological indicator of sea level change.

Erosion: The physicochemical process during which natural conditions or/and anthropogenic interventions cause the dissolution of the coastal rocks. The harbour of Amathus is located between two coastal monuments of different dates that have undergone noticeable alterations due to erosion: the southwest Wall and the southeast Basilica. Walking along the coast, one can distinguish more remains, like walls and horizontal layers of archaeological material, that are interrupted abruptly, having collapsed due to the erosion of the slope.

Siltation: Harbour siltation is caused by increased concentration and/or deposition of water-borne silt. This was a frequent phenomenon during antiquity and was associated with four main sources of sedimentary production and transfer: (1) local watercourses (rivers); (2) sea currents parallel to the coast; (3) erosion and (4) the use of the basin as a waste dump. The first, natural harbour of Amathus was abandoned because of siltation whose rate probably increased after the construction of the outer harbour.

Seismic activity:Cyprus is located at the point of collision of the African and Eurasian plates. As a result, numerous earthquakes took place throughout Cyprus’ history, many of which were particularly destructive. Like the rest of the monuments of Amathus, the harbour has been affected by the multiple earthquakes, which could have caused cracks and displacement of the construction, due to submersion or rising of the seabed.