Divers find 2,400-year-old shipwreck off Andros with 600 amphorae

Key Points:

• Divers off the Greek island of Andros have discovered a 2,400-year-old shipwreck containing approximately 600 to 650 ancient amphorae, dating back to the late fifth and early fourth centuries B.C.
• The amphorae, ceramic storage jars used to transport goods like wine and olive oil, were found encrusted with marine growth scattered on the seafloor at depths between 128 and 144 feet.
• Archaeologists identified three types of amphorae—Mende, Peparethos, and Solokha 2—and also uncovered a lead anchor stock and ballast stones, shedding light on trade and navigation during the Late Classical period.
• One amphora of each type was recovered for further study, which is expected to reveal more about the ship’s cargo and origin.
• This discovery adds to the rich archaeological record of the Mediterranean Sea, a historic hub of maritime trade, following other recent finds such as gold jewelry from a 1,300-year-old shipwreck off Croatia.