Artifacts > Aegean Shipwrecks

Aegean Shipwrecks

Background

Summary of "Searching for Ancient Shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea"

Introduction

The study details two deep-water archaeological surveys in the Aegean Sea, highlighting the discovery of Hellenistic shipwrecks near Chios and Kythnos islands using marine geological and geophysical methods. The collaboration between the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) and the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities (EUA) aimed to map the sea-floor and discover ancient nautical heritage.

Survey Methods

The surveys primarily used side-scan sonar integrated with high-resolution sub-bottom profiling to identify and interpret sonar targets accurately. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and the submersible Thetis were deployed for visual inspections of selected targets.

Discoveries

• Chios Wreck: Found at 70 meters depth in the Chios-Oinousses strait, this site revealed over 400 amphoras concentrated in a 1.5-meter-high mound. The amphoras were primarily Chian and another unidentified type.
• Kythnos Wreck: Located at 495 meters depth west of Kythnos island, this site consisted of amphoras scattered over a 20x20 meter area. A bronze statue, recovered earlier by a trawler, indicated the presence of this wreck.

Significance

The study underscores the importance of integrating side-scan sonar with sub-bottom profiling for effective deep-water archaeological research. The detailed examination of sedimentation rates and geological structures enhanced the accuracy of interpreting sonar targets, reducing the number of unsuccessful dives.

Conclusion

The successful discovery of Hellenistic wrecks using these advanced methods demonstrates the potential for uncovering more ancient shipwrecks in the Aegean Sea. This approach aids in understanding ancient maritime activities and preserving underwater cultural heritage.

Detailed Description of the Chios Wreck

Overview

The Chios wreck, discovered in the strait between Chios and Oinousses islands, is an ancient shipwreck dating to the late-4th or early-3rd century BCE. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 70 meters on a flat, muddy sea-floor. This site was identified as part of a broader effort to map and explore ancient nautical heritage in the Aegean Sea using advanced marine geological and geophysical techniques.

Key Features

• Amphora Concentration: The primary feature of the Chios wreck is a dense concentration of over 400 amphoras. These amphoras form a 1.5 to 2-meter-high mound that extends longitudinally on the sea-floor, presenting a high-reflectivity target in sonar imaging.
• Amphora Types: The amphoras identified include Chian amphoras and another unidentified type. This indicates that the cargo consisted of locally produced goods as well as items from different origins.
• Preservation: The amphoras are remarkably well-preserved, providing a clear picture of the cargo's original arrangement. This preservation is attributed to the fine-grained, silty sediments covering the sea-floor, which have protected the artifacts from physical damage and corrosion.

Survey Techniques

• Side-Scan Sonar: The wreck was discovered using side-scan sonar, which provided detailed images of the sea-floor and helped identify the high-reflectivity target formed by the amphora mound.
• Sub-Bottom Profiling: High-resolution sub-bottom profiling was used to understand the geological context of the site. This technique revealed that the amphora mound is situated on recent fine-grained sediments, which lie above the older rocky substrate.
• ROV and Submersible Dives: Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and the submersible Thetis were used for visual inspection of the site. These dives confirmed the presence and condition of the amphoras and allowed for the collection of samples.

Geological Context

• Sea-Floor Characteristics: The surveyed area features a flat sea-floor covered by Holocene silt deposits. The thickness of these sediments varies, with more significant deposits found in the central part of the surveyed area.
• Rocky Outcrops: The sea-floor also includes rocky outcrops, particularly in the western and eastern parts of the survey area, close to the rocky coasts of Chios and Oinousses islands. These outcrops are remnants of the area's pre-Holocene geological structure.

Significance

The Chios wreck provides valuable insights into ancient maritime trade and shipbuilding. The concentration and preservation of amphoras offer a snapshot of the cargo and trade goods transported in the Aegean Sea during the late Hellenistic period. The use of advanced survey techniques underscores the potential for discovering and studying ancient shipwrecks in deep-water environments, contributing to our understanding of ancient nautical heritage【27:0†source】【27:1†source】【27:5†source】【27:14†source】【27:15†source】.

Detailed Description of the Kythnos Wreck

Overview

The Kythnos wreck, discovered west of Kythnos Island in the Aegean Sea, lies at a depth of approximately 495 meters. It was identified through a survey conducted in 2005, following the recovery of a bronze statue by a trawler, which hinted at the presence of a shipwreck.

Key Features

• Amphora Scatter: The site consists of a few tens of amphoras scattered over a 20 x 20-meter area. The amphoras, likely Chian and Samos types, date to the early to mid-3rd century BCE.
• Depth and Location: Situated at 495 meters depth, the wreck is located on a flat, muddy sea-floor. The exact coordinates and the depth make this one of the deepest known Hellenistic wrecks in the Aegean Sea.

Survey Techniques

• Side-Scan Sonar: The survey employed side-scan sonar to create detailed images of the sea-floor. The sonar identified a high-reflectivity target, later confirmed to be the scattered amphoras.
• Sub-Bottom Profiling: High-resolution sub-bottom profiling provided data on the sediment layers and the geological context of the wreck site, revealing thick sedimentary sequences without any rocky outcrops.
• ROV and Submersible Dives: Visual inspections were carried out using the submersible Thetis and the ROV Super Achilles. These dives confirmed the presence of amphoras and allowed for detailed recording and sampling.

Sediment and Environmental Conditions

• Sedimentation Rate: The sedimentation rate in the area is relatively low, which has contributed to the partial burial of the amphoras and their preservation. The mud deposits have accumulated slowly, allowing the amphoras to remain exposed yet protected.
• Sea-Floor Characteristics: The sea-floor in the surveyed area is characterized by fine-grained sediment deposits, which have created a stable and relatively undisturbed environment for the wreck.

Discoveries and Artifacts

• Bronze Statue: The initial discovery was prompted by a bronze statue recovered by a trawler, indicating the presence of the shipwreck.
• Amphoras: The main artifacts discovered include several tens of amphoras scattered on the sea-floor. These amphoras are in varying states of preservation, with some semi-buried within the mud.

Significance

The Kythnos wreck provides crucial insights into Hellenistic maritime trade and shipwreck preservation in deep-water environments. The successful use of advanced survey techniques demonstrates the potential for discovering and studying ancient wrecks at significant depths, contributing valuable information to the field of underwater archaeology.

Conclusion

The discovery and subsequent study of the Kythnos wreck highlight the effectiveness of integrating side-scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and ROV/submersible inspections in deep-water archaeological research. This approach not only facilitated the identification of the wreck but also provided detailed insights into the ancient trade practices and the environmental conditions that have preserved the artifacts.

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