A shipwreck dating to the late fifth or early fourth century B.C. has been discovered off a Greek island in the Cyclades, where divers found an estimated 600 to 650 amphorae along with part of a lead anchor and possible ballast stones.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom.
Marine archaeologists have discovered a roughly 2,400-year-old shipwreck off the coast of a Greek island in the Cyclades, uncovering hundreds of ancient transport vessels that could provide new information about trade and seafaring during the Late Classical period.
The wreck was located between approximately 128 and 144 feet below the surface after a private individual alerted authorities to its possible location, according to Greece’s Ministry of Culture.
Images from the site show scores of amphorae piled across the seafloor.
Officials estimate that the wreck contains approximately 600 to 650 amphorae, the pointed-bottom ceramic containers widely used in antiquity to transport commodities such as wine and olive oil.
Researchers have not yet determined what the vessels aboard this particular ship were carrying.
According to Fox News, archaeologists identified three different amphora types at the site: Mende, Peparethos and Solokha 2.
One example of each type was recovered for further analysis and sampling.
“The chronological framework for these amphorae is set between the late 5th and early 4th centuries BC. A section of a lead anchor stock was also discovered at the shipwreck site, along with a small number of stones that may be associated with the ship’s ballast. Preliminary estimates indicate a count of approximately 600–650 amphorae,” a translated statement from Greece’s Ministry of Culture said.
The combination of amphora types could help researchers better understand where the vessel originated, what ports it visited and which commercial networks it served before sinking.
Ancient amphorae were produced in distinct shapes and styles associated with particular regions, making them valuable clues for archaeologists attempting to reconstruct trade routes.
The Ministry of Culture said the discovery could substantially expand knowledge about maritime commerce during the period.
“This particularly interesting find enriches our knowledge of trade and navigation during the Late Classical period. Further study of the find will obviously yield additional interesting information regarding both its cargo and its origin,” the translated ministry release said.
Investigators also located part of a lead anchor stock and several stones near the amphorae.
Fox News reported that the stones may have served as ballast, which would have been placed aboard the vessel to improve its stability while underway.
The anchor fragment and ballast material could offer additional clues about the ship itself, even if much of its wooden structure has deteriorated over the centuries.
Researchers will now study the recovered amphorae and other material in an effort to determine more about the vessel’s cargo, origin and voyage.
Additional photographs of the underwater site have been released by Greece’s Ministry of Culture.
The discovery adds to a series of recent finds involving ancient Mediterranean shipwrecks and cargoes preserved beneath the sea.
Earlier in August, archaeologists announced another shipwreck discovery near Sicily that likewise contained hundreds of clay amphorae.
An Instagram video also provides a look at the archaeological discovery.
For researchers, the Greek wreck offers a rare snapshot of Mediterranean commerce more than two millennia ago.
With hundreds of amphorae still resting on the seafloor and only initial samples recovered, officials say further study could reveal what the vessel was transporting, where it came from and how merchants moved goods through the Aegean during the Late Classical era.
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