In an exciting underwater discovery, divers exploring the depths off a Greek island have stumbled upon a shipwreck dating back approximately 2,400 years. The ancient vessel was laden with hundreds of amphorae, shedding light on maritime history.
The intriguing find was revealed this summer, with Greece’s Ministry of Culture proudly making the announcement.
According to the Ministry’s translated press release, the wreck off the coast of Andros in Greece’s Cyclades archipelago was brought to light by a tip from a private individual.
The submerged relic was discovered at a depth ranging from 128 to 144 feet, where the ship’s cargo, consisting of hundreds of “pointed-bottom commercial amphorae,” lay preserved.
Preliminary counts by officials suggest that the number of these ancient storage jars is impressively between 600 and 650.
Underwater photos show the ancient artifacts encrusted with marine growth and scattered across the seafloor.
Amphorae, or ceramic storage jars, were widely used in the ancient world to transport goods ranging from wine and olive oil to grain and other foodstuffs.
Officials have not disclosed what the amphorae, which date to the late fifth and early fourth centuries B.C., may have contained.
Archaeologists identified three distinct types: Mende, Peparethos and Solokha 2.
Archaeologists also discovered part of a lead anchor stock and several stones that may have been used as ballast to help stabilize the vessel.
Officials said the discovery “adds to our knowledge of trade and navigation during the Late Classical period.”
“During the inspection, one amphora of each type was recovered for sampling and study,” the statement added.
“Further study of the discovery is expected to provide additional information about both the ship’s cargo and its origin.”
The Mediterranean Sea, a crossroads of maritime trade for thousands of years, is home to countless shipwrecks and archaeological sites.
Earlier this summer, officials announced the discovery of gold jewelry aboard a roughly 1,300-year-old shipwreck off the Croatian island of Mljet.
Last summer, officials announced the discovery of hundreds of well-preserved ceramics at a roughly 2,000-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Turkey.