An underwater survey off Ptolemais, a major Greek port in ancient Cyrenaica, has revealed a ship graveyard stretching over 100 meters across the seabed. Multiple ships appear to have sunk while approaching the city, founded in the 4th-3rd centuries BCE. The site contains ship fragments, amphorae possibly containing crystallized wine, anchors, submerged roads, columns, and a Roman bronze balance scale, highlighting the commercial significance of this ancient Mediterranean harbor.
100-meter ship graveyard discovered off ancient Greek port of Ptolemais, Libya
LibyaUnderwaterNew Research
Key facts
- Underwater ship graveyard discovered off Ptolemais in Libya
- Site stretches over 100 m across the seabed
- Ptolemais was major Greek urban center in Cyrenaica founded 4th-3rd centuries BCE
- Contains ship fragments, cargo remains, amphora, and anchors
- Multiple ships likely sank while approaching port city
- Survey also found ancient columns, submerged roads, and Roman bronze balance scale
- Amphora found may contain traces of crystallized wine being analyzed
- Discovery highlights commercial significance of ancient Mediterranean port
Site mentioned
Sources
uni-saarland.de
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rps.baden-wuerttemberg.de
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arkeonews.net
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