 |
Many ancient vases were found inside the wreck of a merchant ship. Photo: Live Science. |
Five shipwrecks discovered near Levitha Island mainly carried amphorae, vessels with slender handles and narrow necks, often used to hold precious liquids such as oil or wine,Live ScienceThe vases were made in the cities of Knidos, Kos, Rhodes, Phoenicia and Carthage between the 3rd and 1st centuries BC, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports.
In addition, the research team also found a 400 kg granite anchor at a depth of 45 m. This anchor was made in the 6th century BC and is very large in size, possibly used for a massive ship.
The wrecks and anchors were discovered during a research expedition from June 15 to June 29 under the direction of archaeologist George Koutsouflakis of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports. Experts had also come across other amphorae-carrying wrecks during previous dives.
A team of 57 divers participated in the June expedition, spending up to 92 hours underwater. The findings suggest the area was once a busy shipping lane. The team plans to continue studying the area around Levitha and the nearby islands of Mavria, Glaros and Chinaros until 2021.
