Divers have made a remarkable discovery off the coast of Andros, a Greek island in the Cyclades, uncovering a shipwreck dating back approximately 2,400 years, laden with hundreds of ancient amphorae. The find, announced by Greece’s Ministry of Culture, was alerted by a private individual and occurred at a depth of 128 to 144 feet. The cargo consists of an estimated 600 to 650 pointed-bottom commercial amphorae, commonly used in antiquity to transport goods like wine, olive oil, and grains. While the exact contents remain undisclosed, the amphorae are identified as Mende, Peparethos, and Solokha 2 types, dating to the late fifth and early fourth centuries B.C. The wreck also yielded a lead anchor stock and ballast stones. This discovery significantly enhances our understanding of trade and navigation during the Late Classical period, with initial recovery of one amphora of each type for further study, promising additional insights into the ship’s cargo and origin. The Mediterranean Sea continues to reveal its ancient secrets, with this find adding to a growing list of significant underwater archaeological discoveries.
Adapted from: Travel News Today on Fox News
