Underwater Discoveries in the Aegean

Four uncharted shipwrecks were discovered around the Dia islet off the Bay of Irakleio, Crete, in a recent underwater exploration conducted by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities. Two of the four shipwrecks contained rare first and second century Cretan amphorae and fifth-seventh century post-Roman era amphorae. Remains of pottery dating from the Byzantine era (eighth and ninth centuries) were also discovered.

The Aegean has long been an area of intrigue for ocean adventurers. Jacques Cousteau, for example, had theorized that the islet off which the shipwrecks were found, Dia, had been used as an anchorage point for ships during storms. The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities has already identified three other promising shipwrecks, which will be further explored in 2012.

Source: The Greek News Agenda