New Discoveries from the 2,000-Year-Old Shipwreck Off Greece.

In a remarkable twist of fate, a group of Greek sponge divers turned ocean explorers stumbled upon a trove of ancient artifacts off the coast of Antikythera more than a century ago. The initial find in 1900, led by Elias Stadiatis, began with a bronze arm and eventually revealed one of the most significant underwater discoveries in archaeology—a shipwreck rich with Roman-era treasures. The adventure didn’t stop there; recent excavations have added even more fascinating chapters to this underwater saga.

In June 2024, Swiss archaeologists sponsored by Swiss watchmaker Hublot made headlines with their latest breakthrough. Led by Professor Lorenz Baumer from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the team uncovered startling new finds near the original shipwreck site. Using advanced technology and international expertise, they discovered a second shipwreck roughly 650 feet from the first.

The new excavation revealed well-preserved sections of the wooden hull, showcasing Roman shipbuilding techniques. This new find highlights the “shell first” construction method, where the hull is built before the internal ribs are added—an ancient practice distinct from modern shipbuilding methods. Professor Baumer emphasized how these discoveries offer fresh insights into ancient maritime engineering and the possible causes behind the ships’ sinking.

Among the 300 new artifacts retrieved were marble fragments, ceramic shards, and additional hull pieces. These included 21 marble fragments that likely belonged to statues and various amphorae types, revealing trade connections with regions such as Chios and Rhodes. The presence of mastic in some amphorae points to their sophisticated waterproofing techniques.

These recent discoveries are more than just archaeological finds; they hold clues to the ancient world's mysteries. The shipwrecks, possibly associated with Roman general Sulla’s spoils, may have carried valuable artworks and artifacts from Athens to Rome. Analysis of previous finds, such as the hull planking carbon-dated between 220 and 43 B.C., has led researchers to reconsider earlier theories about the ships’ origins and timelines.

This year’s discoveries represent a major leap in understanding the Antikythera wrecks. The new data helps address unresolved questions about the site’s history and the nature of the ancient tragedy that befell these vessels. The ongoing research continues to unravel the complexities of this iconic underwater treasure trove, promising further revelations about ancient maritime history.

📸Photo credit:  ESAG 

Information sourced from the researched teams website. Esag.swiss