Greece's Culture Ministry has announced that five shipwrecks from ancient and medieval times and large sections of their cargoes have been discovered off the island of Kasos. The small Aegean isle lies between Crete and Rhodes, a key trade route linking the Aegean with the Middle East.
A total of five shipwrecks were identified, as well as a possible ancient port facility. A particularly remarkable find was a shipwreck of the late Classical period, which features five stone anchors. In addition to amphorae, the ship's cargo also included fine ceramics as well as parts of storage pits, large jars used to transport wine, oil, food, and fine tableware.
A statement on Monday said an underwater survey that ended last month also located cannons and other scattered finds possibly from other foundered vessels that have not yet been pinpointed.
Based on the pottery collected, the shipwreck can be dated back to the end of the 4th or the beginning of the 3rd century BC. The type of cargo and the stone anchors found are similar to those found in the Kythera shipwreck, dating to the late 4th century BC.
