In 2018, a Greek trading vessel was discovered in the Black Sea that provided previously unknown information to historians. The amazing part is that despite its age, the 2,400-year-old ship was almost entirely intact. How is that possible?
A 75-foot vessel, dated to approximately 400 BCE, was discovered resting laterally at a depth of nearly one mile beneath the surface of the Black Sea. Remarkably, the ship’s mast, rudders, and rowing benches remained intact and exhibited exceptional preservation. This state of conservation is attributed to the anoxic conditions of the Black Sea’s deeper waters—characterized by the absence of oxygen—which inhibit the microbial activity responsible for the decomposition of organic materials such as wood. Beyond a depth of approximately 500 feet from the shoreline, oxygen levels diminish to zero, creating an environment conducive to long-term preservation. To date, over 60 additional shipwrecks have been identified within this archaeologically rich region.
Prior to this discovery, vessels of this type had only been documented through ancient Greek iconography, notably in artifacts such as the Siren Vase, which portrays the ship of the mythological figure Odysseus. According to the archaeological team responsible for the find, the ship represents a significant contribution to the understanding of ancient maritime technology, offering tangible evidence that complements and substantiates previously theoretical models of ship construction and seafaring practices.
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