Divers have found the wreck of an ancient trading ship carrying around 600 amphorae off the coast of the island of Andros in the Aegean Sea, Greece's Ministry of Culture announced.
The discovery began when an ordinary diver came across the vessel and reported it to the ministry. Ministry staff then located the amphorae at a depth of 40 meters, finding them in good condition. In antiquity, the vessels were used to carry wine and olive oil.
Tracing Ancient Trade Routes
After examining the cargo, specialists identified at least three types of amphorae, each made in a different city. The variety allows researchers to trace Greece's extensive trade connections between 410 and 323 BC. Divers brought one example of each type to the surface for study.
At the wreck site, researchers also found part of an anchor and fragments of ballast. The ship's wooden hull did not survive.
The ministry had previously reported that archaeologists completed a study of a shipwreck from the Byzantine era off the coast of Croatia. Among the wreckage there, researchers found gold coins from the dynasty of Heraclius, buckles set with rubies, emeralds and pearls, and a large gold signet ring bearing the image of an emperor.
