Marine archaeologists have recently discovered a total of ten shipwrecks in the waters surrounding a beautiful Greek island in the Mediterranean. Among these remarkable findings is an ancient Roman-era shipwreck.
During a collaborative effort with Greece’s National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, a team uncovered these significant discoveries as part of a multiyear project.
The team has been conducting a survey around the island of Kasos, located in the Aegean Sea. This area is situated between the Greek peninsula to the west and Turkey’s Anatolia peninsula to the east, within the Mediterranean region.
Marine archaeologist Xanthie Argiris, who co-led the project, explained that the primary objective of this research was to uncover the maritime history of the Aegean region, with a specific emphasis on the island of Kasos. She shared this insight with Newsweek.
“We have long neglected the historical importance of this island, but our goal was to shed light on its significance within ancient maritime networks,” Argiris expressed. “Our exploration of the underwater cultural heritage in the area aimed to unveil Kasos’ crucial position as a vital hub along ancient trade routes. Through this, we hope to enhance our understanding of the broader historical and archaeological context of the southeastern Aegean.”
The team conducting recent investigations has uncovered evidence of 10 shipwrecks and significant discoveries related to important individuals from different historical periods. These shipwrecks range in age, stretching back to the Classical era around 500 B.C. and continuing up until the 19th and 20th centuries, as confirmed by Argiris.
According to Argiris, the long history of maritime activity in the Aegean region is showcased by the extensive temporal range of artifacts found in Kasos. This emphasizes the importance of Kasos as a maritime crossroads throughout different periods of time.
A fascinating discovery was made during the excavation—an ancient Roman shipwreck believed to have originated from the second to third centuries. The ship was found to be carrying a cargo of Aegean cylindrical amphorae, which were commonly used as storage vessels during that time period.
Ancient shipwrecks are mainly recognized by the ceramics they carried and occasionally by the presence of anchors, rather than by the preservation of their wooden hulls.
According to Argiris, the preservation of organic materials underwater is influenced by the environmental conditions. Unfortunately, in most cases, the Aegean Sea does not support the preservation of wood.
The researcher discovered a total of 10 shipwrecks, with seven being ancient and lacking any hull but containing valuable cargo. One particular shipwreck included a fragment of a wooden hull along with an iron cannon, estimated to be from the 19th century. Additionally, there were two more recent shipwrecks that had preserved metallic and/or wooden components.
There is a relatively recent shipwreck that may have originated from the time of World War II. It is a wooden boat with metal components and is believed to be around 82 to 98 feet in length.
The researchers also discovered several individual, or “stray,” artifacts from different time periods and origins. These artifacts range from prehistoric times to the Classical period, the Hellenistic period (around 100 B.C. to A.D. 100), the Roman era (around 200 B.C. to A.D. 300), the Byzantine period (around A.D. 800 to A.D. 900), and even finds from the later medieval and Ottoman periods.
According to Argiris, individual or stray finds are discoveries that cannot be linked to a shipwreck or underwater site. In Kasos, we have come across various stray finds, including amphorae from different periods, archaic and Byzantine anchors, cannons, medieval and postmedieval bowls, as well as a large storage jar from Djerba in Tunisia.
“Upon closer examination, individual discoveries can play a significant role in unraveling the mysteries of maritime expeditions,” Argiris explained. “Therefore, each stray artifact, just like a shipwreck, holds valuable insights into past maritime transportation endeavors.”
One of the recent investigations has revealed a truly remarkable discovery – an isolated prehistoric artifact dating back to the third millennium B.C. This handmade pot, which is the oldest recorded find ever retrieved from the waters of the Dodecanese, a group of Greek islands in the southeastern Aegean that includes Kasos, has captured the attention of researchers.
According to Argiris, the discoveries we made hold great archaeological significance. They offer tangible evidence of the extensive maritime activities that took place in the Aegean region throughout history. These findings provide valuable insights into ancient trade networks, navigation routes, and cultural exchanges. Moreover, they shed light on the economic, social, and political dynamics of ancient societies, as evident from the various types of cargo and artifacts that have been unearthed.
Argiris emphasized the valuable contribution of shipwrecks in expanding our understanding of different historical periods, spanning from the prehistoric era to the present day. These underwater treasures help bridge the gaps in our knowledge about maritime activities throughout history.
According to her, the practical implications of the findings extend to various aspects of modern society. These include heritage preservation, tourism development, and the promotion of cultural appreciation and understanding.
According to Argiris, it is essential to study and document underwater cultural heritage sites to ensure their protection and raise awareness about their significance among the general public.