Exploring Greece's Underwater Shipwrecks: A 5,000-Year Journey
Written on
Chapter 1: Discovering Kasos
Underwater archaeologists have made significant discoveries off the coast of Kasos in the Aegean Sea, revealing ten shipwrecks that span from 3000 BCE to World War II. This small island, part of the Dodecanese archipelago, has a rich maritime history and has served as a refuge for sailors for centuries.
Over the last four years, a dedicated team of Greek researchers has been investigating the ocean floor around Kasos, which is home to about 1,000 residents. Historically, it has been a crucial maritime hub, especially during the Ottoman Empire.
Section 1.1: The Shipwrecks of Kasos
Recent findings have been shared by the Greek Ministry of Culture, detailing the discovery of ten shipwrecks, with the earliest dating back to around 3000 BCE. Among these wrecks, one is traced to 460 BCE, a significant period in Greek history. Additionally, artifacts from the Hellenistic and Roman periods were unearthed, including a Byzantine ship from the 800s to 900s CE and remnants of a World War II vessel measuring over nine meters in length.
The first video delves into the significance of these shipwrecks and their historical contexts, showcasing the maritime culture of ancient Greece.
Researchers Also Uncovered Submerged Treasures
In a fascinating twist, archaeologists uncovered a wealth of artifacts from various global origins near the wrecks, referred to by the Ministry as a "treasury of unique finds." This collection includes a Spanish amphora with a seal, dating back to 150–170 CE, alongside drinking vessels and terra sigillata ceramics from Africa. The shipwrecks and treasures were found at depths ranging from 16 to 20 meters. Between 2019 and 2023, the team captured over 20,000 underwater photographs and utilized high-resolution side-scan sonar for mapping the Kasos-Karpathos reef.
“This marks the first systematic exploration of Kasos's seabed, aimed at documenting and investigating its ancient maritime significance,” the authors noted. They have even produced a film showcasing their underwater explorations and archaeological efforts.
Chapter 2: Insights into Greece's Cultural Heritage
The ongoing research is part of the “Kasos Maritime Archaeological Project,” which comprises a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, historians, architects, geologists, and graduate students. This project represents another vital step in uncovering Greece’s rich cultural heritage.
Recently, researchers also made headlines with the discovery of a partially submerged structure and various artifacts on the island of Salamis, known from Homer’s “Iliad.” These findings, dating back to the 4th century BCE, add depth to our understanding of ancient Greek maritime activities.
The second video explores the various shipwrecks found in Britain, drawing parallels with those discovered in Greece and further emphasizing the global significance of maritime archaeology.
Attention All Readers!
As content creators on Medium.com, we often face limited compensation for our efforts. If you appreciate the value of my articles, please consider supporting my work on my “Buy Me a Coffee” page. Your contributions can greatly assist me in continuing to produce quality content. Thank you for your support!
