The coast of western Epirus is richly endowed with navigable rivers and crossings in the river valleys, so it was always an important passage for sea and land communication networks. The Mycenaeans, who created a civilization that flourished from 1600 to 1100 BCE, were particularly attracted to the advantages of this place. They established trading posts that were protected by Cyclopean walls. One of them was Ephyra. This fortified settlement was located in a large and well-protected natural harbour that served as a hub for sea and land trade. In the Mycenaean period Ephyra was only 500 meters from the sea but gradually the landscape changed. The coastline advanced 4.5 km to the west and the ancient harbour vanished under the silt of the River Acheron.