2000-year-old ancient shipwreck discovered in the Aegean Sea

An archaeological shipwreck from the 3rd Century BC has been found at the bottom of the sea in Greece, filled with treasure troves from the Aegean.

An archaeological shipwreck from the 3rd Century BC has been found at the bottom of the sea in Greece, filled with treasure troves from the Aegean.

The five major wrecks were made near Levitha, a small island between Amorgos and Leros, and included a huge anchor and amphorae,  an ancient container used to transport goods such as wine.

The 400kg granite anchor pole was found 45 metres down and dates back to the 6th century BC, while the amphorae were from the Aegean Sea, including the islands of  Kos and Rhodes, as well as Phoenicia and Carthage. They were dated to the 3rd century BC, during the era of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, which ended with the deaths of Cleopatra and her son.

The discoveries were made by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities, a department within the Greek culture ministry, which is conducting a three-year research project to identify and document ancient shipwrecks in the area.

*Images courtesy of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports