100-meter ship graveyard discovered off ancient Greek port of Ptolemais, Libya. 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
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.
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
Related site: Ptolemais (Cyrenaica) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: March 2026 by Inside Archaeology