Archaeologists Shocked by the Discovery of 10 Ghost Ships Around Greece’s Kasos Island.
According to Heritage Daily, the ghost ships surrounding Kasos Island date back to prehistoric times, the Hellenistic period, the Roman era, the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Roman Empire, established in 330 AD), the Middle Ages, and even the Ottoman Empire (founded in 1299).
This astonishing discovery is the result of a significant study conducted by the National Research Foundation and the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Divers approaching the wreckage of one of the 10 ghost ships around Kasos Island – (Photo: GREEK MINISTRY OF CULTURE).
The search phase lasted four years and just concluded in 2023. Currently, the ghost ship wrecks and artifacts retrieved from the water are only beginning to be studied.
According to a press release from the Greek Ministry of Culture, a team of divers operated at depths ranging from 20m to 47m and discovered the aforementioned ghost ships, which contained numerous goods from Spain, Italy, Africa, and the coast of Asia Minor.
The oldest shipwreck dates back to 3000 BC, while the most recent wreck is from World War II.
Researchers also captured over 20,000 underwater photographs at various shipwreck sites, which will be used to create a digital simulation of the “ghost ship cemetery” around Kasos, assisting experts in further research steps.
Some artifacts from the ancient ships have been cataloged, including an ancient stone anchor, various types of pottery such as pointed-bottom amphorae, and some Roman ceramics.
Scientists have also mapped the coral in the area to facilitate research activities while ensuring the marine environment remains unharmed.
This discovery is just the beginning. Scientists are planning more dives, including the exploration of hidden goods within the shipwrecks, which will yield an invaluable archaeological and historical treasure.
