The waters around a Greek island in the Mediterranean harbor a revelation after marine archaeologists unearthed 10 shipwrecks, including one from the Roman era. These remarkable findings surfaced during an extensive project conducted over several years, led by a team collaborating with Greece's National Hellenic Research Foundation and the Ministry of Culture.
(Photo : EMILY IRVING-SWIFT/AFP via Getty Images)
Multi-Year Underwater Survey Reveals Shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea
The multi-year endeavor focused on surveying the area encompassing Kasos Island in the Aegean Sea aims to unveil the region's maritime history, as emphasized by Xanthie Argiris. Kasos Island, once pivotal as a trade hub where merchants traded goods from distant origins, has been overlooked in historical narratives, prompting the project's mission to uncover its significance in ancient maritime networks.
Recent investigations uncovered evidence of 10 shipwrecks and significant artifacts spanning diverse historical periods, from the Classical era to the 19th and 20th centuries.
These findings highlight the extensive maritime activity in the Aegean region, emphasizing Kasos's historical significance as a maritime crossroads. Notably, among the discoveries was a Roman shipwreck containing Aegean cylindrical amphorae, indicative of ancient trade practices.
Identification of ancient shipwrecks primarily relies on their ceramic cargo or anchors, given the limited preservation of wooden hull remains underwater. Of the 10 shipwrecks discovered, seven lacked hull remnants and preserved only cargo, while two showcased modern metallic or wooden parts.
The shipwrecks spanned various historical periods, including the prehistoric, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and even the modern era, with one vessel likely dating back to World War II.
Artifacts like amphorae and flasks were found among the wrecks offering insights into maritime activities and trade networks. Located at depths of 65 to 155 feet, the wrecks were discovered using modern equipment and underwater cameras, capturing over 20,000 photos. Stray finds, such as amphorae and anchors, further contribute to understanding maritime journeys and activities.
Among the remarkable discoveries was a prehistoric artifact dating back to the third millennium B.C., representing the oldest recorded find retrieved from the waters of the Dodecanese. This discovery adds to our understanding of the region's maritime history, highlighting Kasos's significance in the southeastern Aegean.
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Significance of the Discovery of Shipwrecks
The collaborative survey project involving archaeologists, historians, and biologists commenced in 2019 and concluded in October 2023, marking the inaugural systematic archaeological examination of the seabed surrounding Kasos.
Xanthie Argiris emphasized the multifaceted archaeological significance of their study, titled "Diving into the History of the Aegean," explaining it offers tangible evidence of maritime activities spanning millennia in the Aegean region, shedding light on ancient trade networks, navigation routes, and cultural exchanges.
These discoveries contribute to our comprehension of the economic, social, and political dynamics of ancient societies, evidenced by the types of cargo and artifacts recovered.
Moreover, the findings fill gaps in our understanding of maritime activities across various historical periods, ranging from the prehistoric era to modern times. Beyond their historical value, these discoveries hold practical implications for contemporary society, including heritage preservation, tourism development, and the promotion of cultural appreciation and understanding.
Argiris stressed the importance of studying and documenting these underwater cultural heritage sites to ensure their protection and enhance their significance to the broader public.
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