Divers uncover mysterious shipwreck loaded with ancient cargo lost for 2,400 years

Divers investigating waters off a Greek island have discovered a roughly 2,400-year-old shipwreck carrying hundreds of ancient amphorae.The discovery was announced this summer by Greece's Ministry of Culture. In the translated press release, officials said a "private individual" tipped them off to the wreck, which was located in the waters off Andros, an island in Greece's Cyclades.'SPECTACULAR' SHIPWRECK FOUND WITH UNDERWATER TIME CAPSULE OF UNTOUCHED CARGO: 'AMAZING FIND'The shipwreck was found at a depth of between 128 and 144 feet underwater, officials said, and its cargo was made up of hundreds of "pointed-bottom commercial amphorae."An initial count placed the number of amphorae at roughly 600 to 650, according to officials.Divers investigating waters off the Greek island of Andros discovered a roughly 2,400-year-old shipwreck carrying hundreds of ancient amphorae.(Greek Ministry of Culture)Underwater photos show the ancient artifacts encrusted with marine growth and scattered across the seafloor.Amphorae, or ceramic storage jars, were widely used in the ancient world to transport goods ranging from wine and olive oil to grain and other foodstuffs.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTEROfficials have not disclosed what the amphorae, which date to the late fifth and early fourth centuries B.C., may have contained. Archaeologists identified three distinct types: Mende, Peparethos and Solokha 2.Underwater photos from the newly discovered shipwreck show ancient artifacts encrusted with marine growth and scattered across the seafloor.

(Greek Ministry of Culture)Archaeologists also discovered part of a lead anchor stock and several stones that may have been used as ballast to help stabilize the vessel.Officials said the discovery "adds to our knowledge of trade and navigation during the Late Classical period."CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS"During the inspection, one amphora of each type was recovered for sampling and study," the statement added.The...