Many ancient shipwrecks found in the Greek waters

The twenty islands of Fourni in the Eastern Aegean are just one of so many clusters that can be found is those waters. It seems that the narrow passage between the islands create sudden windstorms and choppy waves which would catch many a pilot off guard – hence the great number of wrecks that have been found together.

A first assessment was made last year (see: The surprises of underwater archaeology) and at the end of this year's diving season the number of shipwrecks in the area has risen to 58.

[Credit: Vassilis Mentogiannis/Hellenic Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities/via Reuters]

The fact that they mainly carried amphorae supports the image of intense sea traffic along the coast of Asia Minor.It is difficult to separate the wrecks of those ships that actually crashed on the rocks and those that sank in the stormy weather. Some of them are in pristine condition because they lay at a depth of 40-60 meters. All the relics stranded above the 40-meter level either fell apart or have been looted in the past.

It is very inspiring to learn that the research team of archaeologists, divers, and conservators envisage creating a local museum on the main island Fourni to house their finds. Let’s hope this will work out properly.