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Wine vases from 2,350 years ago

NICOSIA: Marine archaeologists have salvaged wine vases piled on the hull of a 2,350-year-old cargo ship lying on the seabed off Cyprus’ southern shore, the Mediterranean island’s Antiquities Department said on Saturday.

The vessel is one of only a few such commercial ships dating from the late Classical period (mid-4th century B.C.) to have been discovered so well-preserved.

The ship rests under 45 metres of water some 2.5 km from the shore.

Divers last month brought to the surface only a few of the more than 500 amphorae — terracotta vases used in antiquity to ferry liquid and other foodstuffs — for more study. They are of the type that carried red wine from the Aegean island of Chios — reputed to be the most expensive of classical antiquity, the Department said.

“Apart from the Chian amphorae, which form the overwhelming majority, there are also other types from islands of the north Aegean,” said a statement.

Many more amphorae are believed to lie underneath the sand-buried hull of the ship.

The Department said the find is of “great importance” in helping scientists learn more about sea trade and commerce in the Aegean and east Mediterranean during the Classical period. — AP

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Wine vases from 2,350 years ago

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