Byzantine shipwreck in Croatia yields record gold haul from Mediterranean

Key Points:

• Archaeologists from the Croatian Conservation Institute have uncovered a late 7th or early 8th-century Byzantine shipwreck near the island of Mljet, revealing a large trove of gold and luxurious jewelry indicating the presence of a wealthy passenger.
• The collection includes elaborate jewelry adorned with pearls, rubies, and emeralds, as well as a golden signet ring, suggesting the ship carried someone of high status, possibly with an entourage.
• Over 1.3 pounds of gold coins from the Heraclian dynasty were recovered, marking the largest amount of gold ever found on a Mediterranean shipwreck.
• Experts highlight the significance of the wreck for understanding the transition from the late Roman Empire to the medieval period, shedding light on Mediterranean sea routes and the Byzantine Empire's influence.
• This discovery adds to a series of recent important Byzantine archaeological finds, including ancient mosaics in Israel and a Byzantine city in Egypt.