Ancient Shipwrecks Found Off Makronissos

Archaeologists have found and documented six well-preserved ancient shipwrecks in the sea region between the isle of Makronissos and the extreme southeast coast of Attica prefecture. The discovery was made during an underwater reconnaissance research mission in the southern Evoikos Gulf, which took place in June and July.

Four shipwrecks were spotted in depths ranging from 37 metres to 47 metres around Makronissos, and two were found off the coasts of the harbour town of Lavrio.

The findings in the Makronissos shipwrecks are all ancient amphorae from North Africa, Sicily and Rhodes, dated between 2nd century BC and 4th century AD. Findings in one of the shipwrecks off the coasts of Lavrio showed that the vessel's cargo was construction materials dated between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, while the second vessel carried Hellenistic era amphorae.

The latest discoveries are added to the 18 already documented south Evoikos shipwrecks, indicating that the region was a major sea lane in antiquity, linking north and south Aegean. The study and specific locations are expected to shed new light on maritime routes and trafficking of goods during antiquity. (AMNA)