User:Nvvchar/sandbox/Arikamedu

Arikamedu is an archaeological site in Kakkayanthope, Ariyankuppam Commune, Puducherry. It is located at a distance 7 km from its capital Pondicherry, in the Indian territory of Puducherry, where Mortimer Wheeler conducted his best-known excavation in the 1940s. Arikamedu - 'Arikan-medu or Poduke' which literally means, 'eroding mound'. Roman lamps, glassware and gems have also been found at the site.

According to Wheeler, Arikamedu was a Tamil fishing village which was formerly a major Chola port dedicated to bead making and trading with Roman traders. Various Roman artifacts, such as a large number of amphorae bearing the mark of Roman potter schools VIBII, CAMURI and ITTA, have been found at the site, supporting the view on an ancient trade between Rome and the ancient Tamil country of present day south India. Arikamedu is now a part of Ariyankuppam Commune. Arikamedu was an important bead making centre.

Arikamedu is known to have been inhabited since before the 1st century CE and was more or less continually occupied until modern times.