Current:Home > MarketsDivers exploring ancient shipwreck where human remains were found off Greece discover second wreck, new treasures -TradeGrid
Divers exploring ancient shipwreck where human remains were found off Greece discover second wreck, new treasures
View
Date:2025-04-27 11:55:48
A new survey of an iconic ancient shipwreck off the coast of Greece has revealed new treasures — and the remains of a second sunken vessel — more than 2,000 years after it plunged to the bottom of the Aegean Sea.
During a recent expedition at the site of the Antikythera shipwreck, marine archaeologists uncovered about 300 new objects, including 18 marble statue fragments, a previously undiscovered part of the vessel's hull and the remains of a wooden ship that was "beneath the crushed cargo it was carrying," the Greek Ministry of Culture announced last week.
The Antikythera shipwreck, which dates to the 1st century BC, was originally discovered in the Aegean Sea by sponge divers in 1900. In the decades since, researchers have tried to the identify human remains found in the wreck, as well as learn more details about the mysterious fate of the Roman-era ship.
The most recent survey, conducted from May 17 to June 20, revealed the wreckage of a second ship and new artworks, which scientists said triggered brand new questions.
"Was there only one ship involved in this ancient maritime tragedy? How exactly did the wreck happen? Did the human remains recovered in recent years belong to passengers or crew members?" the ministry wrote in a news release, which included seven images from the expedition.
The archaeologists, aided by exceptionally good weather conditions, were able to study two sites, Area A and Area B, which are more than 600 feet apart and over 150 feet below the water's surface. Researchers said "the most important find" in Area A was a previously unseen part of the ship's hull that combines important nautical features, including wooden planks and copper pins, which confirmed the exact orientation of the ancient ship.
"Through the ongoing comparative study of data, the question arises whether more than one ship sank during the same event in Antikythera," the ministry said.
In Area B, archaeologists discovered pottery very similar to that recovered over the decades from the main wreck site — and further excavation confirmed the presence of the remains of a wooden ship, found under its crushed cargo.
At both sites, divers found marble fragments from sculptures, including several marble fingers, a part of a palm, and fragments of clothing. Researchers were able to determine that all the fragments were parts of different statues.
Divers also uncovered more than 200 ceramic fragments, including an oil lamp, a two-handled vase and table pottery.
The recent expedition, led by Angeliki G. Simosi and Lorenz Baumer, was part of the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece's (ESAG) 2021-2025 research program, the ministry said. The site is perhaps most famous for the discovery of the Antikythera mechanism, a mysterious device with interlocking gears that appears to be an "astronomical calculation machine of immense complexity," according to Scientific American. It is often referred to as the world's oldest analog computer.
Countless shipwrecks are scattered off the coast of Greece. Earlier this year, Greek researchers using Homer's "Iliad" as a guide announced they found 10 shipwrecks, including one estimated to be more than 5,000 years old and another from the World War II era.
- In:
- Shipwreck
- Greece
Stephen Smith is a managing editor for CBSNews.com based in New York. A Washington, D.C. native, Steve was previously an editorial producer for the Washington Post, and has also worked in Los Angeles, Boston and Tokyo.
veryGood! (339)
Related
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Biden rule aims to reduce methane emissions, targeting US oil and gas industry for global warming
- Bonus dad surprises boy on an obstacle course after returning from Army deployment
- Tougher penalties for rioting, power station attacks among new North Carolina laws starting Friday
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Where to watch National Lampoon's 'Christmas Vacation': Streaming info, TV airtimes, cast
- McCarthyism and queerness in 'Fellow Travelers'; plus, IBAM unplugged with Olivia Dean
- Red Lobster's cheap endless shrimp offer chewed into its profits
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Somali maritime police intensify patrols as fears grow of resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Ex-correctional officer at federal prison in California gets 5 years for sexually abusing inmates
- Tennessee’s penalties for HIV-positive people are discriminatory, Justice Department says
- Iowa Lottery announces wrong winning numbers from Monday Powerball drawing, cites human error
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Katie Ledecky loses a home 400-meter freestyle race for the first time in 11 years
- Dez Bryant came for ESPN’s Malika Andrews over Josh Giddey coverage. He missed the mark.
- A teenage girl who says she discovered a camera in an airplane bathroom is suing American Airlines
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake jolts Bangladesh
Philippines says China has executed two Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking despite appeals
Why are we so bummed about the economy?
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Ex-correctional officer at federal prison in California gets 5 years for sexually abusing inmates
Meg Ryan defends her and Dennis Quaid's son, Jack Quaid, from 'nepo baby' criticism
Director Ridley Scott on Napoleon: It's a character study with violence, with action, with everything you got