In a major breakthrough for maritime archaeology, researchers from the Swiss School of Archaeology in Greece have announced new findings from the ancient Antikythera shipwreck, a discovery that continues to astonish more than a century after it first came to light.
The shipwreck, which dates to around 65 BC, was originally discovered by sponge divers off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera in 1900. It quickly gained global fame after yielding hundreds of artefacts, including the enigmatic Antikythera Mechanism, often described as the world’s first analogue computer. Now, fresh excavations have revealed previously unknown details about the ship’s construction and the life of its crew.
During recent underwater dives, archaeologists recovered fragments of the ship’s hull, including three outer planks still connected to an internal frame.
This find provides rare, tangible evidence of “shell-first” shipbuilding, a construction technique popular in the Mediterranean between the 4th and 1st centuries BC.
In this method, the ship’s outer shell was built before the internal supports were added, a practice requiring significant precision and craftsmanship.
Wood analysis confirmed that the vessel was crafted from both elm and oak, shedding light on the shipbuilders’ strategic use of available materials, possibly to balance durability with flexibility in high-seas travel.
In addition to structural elements, divers unearthed a variety of cargo and personal items that paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ill-fated vessel.
Among the discoveries was a marble foot from a male statue, likely part of a once-grand figure meant for trade or decoration.
Amphoras originating from the island of Chios, known for its wine, suggest the ship was engaged in transporting luxury goods across the Mediterranean.
Perhaps most intriguingly, a terracotta mortar was found with a sprouted spout, a rare artefact that researchers believe was used by the ship’s crew to crush or mix food ingredients.
It provides a rare and intimate glimpse into onboard culinary practices, an often-overlooked aspect of ancient seafaring life.
“The Antikythera shipwreck continues to be a treasure trove of information about ancient trade, craftsmanship, and daily life,” said a representative from the Swiss School of Archaeology.
“Each new find deepens our understanding of the people who built and sailed this remarkable vessel.”
Interest in the Antikythera wreck has surged in recent years, particularly after the site was featured in Archaeology Magazine’s “Top 10 Discoveries of 2016” under the title Antikythera Man.
“The latest discoveries only add to the site’s legendary status in the world of underwater archaeology.