A rare 2,500-year-old shipwreck found off the Greek island of Kythera

A rare shipwreck from the ancient era was discovered during the maritime survey for the Crete-Peloponnese subsea link.

The Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) announced on Thursday that a rare and unusual shipwreck from the Classical Era was discovered during the maritime survey for the Crete-Peloponnese subsea interconnection.

According to early findings from a study undertaken by the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities and the Hellenic Center for Marine Research (HCMR) with support from IPTO, the shipwreck, which was discovered at a depth of 222 meters, dates from the late fifth to the mid-fourth century B.C.

Amphoras from Corfu, Skopelos, and Chios were discovered in the sunken ship’s cargo deck, indicating active commercial activity in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. The completion of the shipwreck’s three-dimensional imaging, which is under underway, is expected to provide an even clearer picture of the vessel’s size and cargo contents.

IPTO has stated its desire to assist feasible initiatives for the gathering and presentation of the finds, at the discretion of the competent authorities, in order for the discovery of the archaeological treasure to be shown and exploited in the best possible way for the benefit of society.

With this contribution, the Operator reaffirms the public benefit aspect of its projects as well as the multiple advantages these bring to society and the environment, with respect to the history and tradition of the country, IPTO said in its statement.

IPTO