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12. He has submitted that the land under the present acquisition proceedings is of rare historic value and has great cultural significance, and is an important archaeological site with typical tradition, which has to be preserved. He has submitted that Arikanmedu, the archaeological site of the ancient Rome Trade Centre, is 4 Kms, South of Pondicherry on the banks of Ariyankuppam River. The port town dates back to 2nd Century B.C. and was inhabited by Romans, Cholas and French, who have all left their indelible marks on this wonderful place. The archaeological excavations at the site revealed strong trade links between Pondicherry and Ancient Rome. The manufacturing of beads, pottery and muslin cloths and the extensive presence of amphora vessels at the site points to the fusion of Indian and Mediterranean skills in the terracotta industry. Arikanmedu is the earliest known settlement dating perhaps from the 2nd Century B.C. by people whose pottery relates to the Iron-age (Megalithic) cultures of South India. Arikanmedu, a fishing colony was used as a port for trade with the Romans and Greco-Romans. An ancient Chola coin dating back to 1 B.C. suggests involvement of Cholas in various port related activities. Some names on seals that were found here have been mentioned in the Sangam literature as well. Jouveau-Dubreail identified Arikanmedu as Poduke in the Periplus Maris Erythraei. Even today if one looks carefully, after a bout of heavy rains, beads could be found on the bank of river. Fragments of Amphoras and a copper coin of Constantine minted between 306 and 324 A.C. Suggest that Arikanmedu was occupied from 300 A.D. to 700 A.D. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that the site was occupied during medieval Chola times. Finds of Chola coins, Chinese Celadon pottery and other East Asian glazed ceramics suggest occupation of the site and some involvement in the Medieval East-West maritime trade as well. This Historic remains of Arikanmedu site were declared as National Heritage Assets under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, (AMASR) 1958, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) maintained it.