How rising seas transformed dry land into Venice lagoon

Research reveals that Venice was once located many miles inland, with significant sea level changes over 10,000 years reshaping the northern Adriatic coast. A study led by Samuele Ongaro from the University of Southampton utilized seismic data and sediment cores to model these changes. Findings indicate that the current Venice lagoon was previously dry land extending over 30 miles from the coast, while Trieste was characterized by hills and swamps. Sea levels rose intermittently, impacting Mesolithic hunter-gatherers who had to adapt their activities. After three major phases of change, a stable period emerged over the last 6,000 years, allowing for settlement and farming development.