Image Courtesy: Black Sea MAP/EEF Expeditions
An ancient Greek merchant ship discovered more than 2,000 meters beneath the Black Sea is considered as the world’s oldest known intact shipwreck. The vessel, believed to date to around 400 BC, was found more than 80 kilometers off Bulgaria’s coast by an Anglo-Bulgarian archaeological expedition in 2018.
The 23-meter-long ship was remarkably well preserved, with its rudder, rowing benches and parts of its hold still in place after more than 2,400 years underwater. Researchers were particularly surprised by its resemblance to ships depicted on ancient Greek pottery.
The ship’s exceptional condition is largely attributed to the unique environment of the Black Sea. At depths below roughly 150 meters, much of the water contains little or no oxygen. This anoxic environment prevents many organisms responsible for breaking down wood from surviving, allowing organic material to remain preserved for centuries.
Its extreme depth also protects the wreck from modern divers and many forms of human disturbance. Helen Farr, a member of the expedition, described seeing the vessel emerge from the darkness during a remotely operated vehicle dive as an experience that felt like stepping back in time.
The vessel is believed to have been part of the extensive trading network that connected the Mediterranean with ancient Greek colonies along the Black Sea coast. Its design closely resembles the ship shown on the famous Siren Vase, an ancient Greek vessel dated to around 480 BC and now held by the British Museum. The vase depicts the legendary Greek hero Odysseus tied to his ship’s mast as he passes the Sirens.
Researchers used remotely operated vehicles to survey the wreck and create a detailed three-dimensional map. They also recovered a small sample of material that was used to establish its approximate age through radiocarbon dating.
The ship’s cargo remains inside the wreck, leaving researchers with major questions about its final voyage, trading route and destination. Archaeologists hope further funding will allow them to return to the site and investigate the hold without disturbing the remarkably preserved structure.
The discovery was part of a three-year expedition that identified 67 shipwrecks across the Black Sea, including Roman merchant vessels and a 17th-century Cossack trading fleet.
