800 Ancient Roman amphorae confirm 6th AD shipwreck off Akrotiri-Dreamers Bay in Cyprus

Α Decrease font Enlarge font
800 Ancient Roman amphorae confirm 6th AD shipwreck off Akrotiri-Dreamers Bay in CyprusSurvey conducted by divers using underwater scooters, enabled wider coverage of the offshore approaches, identified new finds including numerous stone anchors and what appears to be the remains of a wreck carrying roof tiles.

The discovery of 800 Roman amphorae dating to the end of the 6th or the 7th century AD and scattered over an area of approximately 130,000 sqm at the Akrotiri-Dreamer’s Bay ancient port has confirmed the shipwreck of a substantial vessel for that period.

According to the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works the 2019 underwater archaeological mission at the Akrotiri-Dreamer’s Bay ancient port, in the Limassol District, has been completed.

The survey was carried out by staff from the University of Southampton, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, as part of the Ancient Akrotiri Project, an ongoing collaborative research project on the peninsula conducted since 2015 and led by the University of Leicester.

The 2019 season focused on three main tasks: further investigation of the ancient breakwater; completion of the survey of Dreamer’s Bay, its approaches, and the area offshore of the buildings excavated by the University of Leicester team on the coast to the west of the bay

Between September 8th and 19th 2019, the second season of the underwater investigation was conducted at Dreamer’s Bay on the southern shores of the Akrotiri Peninsula, Cyprus. A team of professional diving maritime archaeologists, students of maritime archaeology, divers, surveyors, photographers, and terrestrial archaeologists predominantly from Cyprus and the UK, further investigated the ancient breakwater and the surrounding seafloor in Dreamer’s Bay. Unlike the previous year that documented the remains of the ancient breakwater submerged some 1-4m beneath the water, the primary focus of the 2019 season was to complete a broader survey of the entire bay and the offshore approaches, and in particular to investigate an area to the east of the breakwater where a large amount of pottery was located in the previous season. The team suspected that this dispersed and concreted concentration of largely homogenous amphorae was the remains of a shipwreck.

The 2019 season focused on three main tasks: further investigation of the ancient breakwater; completion of the survey of Dreamer’s Bay, its approaches, and the area offshore of the buildings excavated by the University of Leicester team on the coast to the west of the bay; and further analysis of the ceramic concentration to the east of the breakwater in order to determine its nature.

 

The most important result of the 2019 season was confirmation that the eastern concentration of largely homogenous ceramics located on an elevated, rocky outcrop to the east of the breakwater and the sheltered channel, was indeed a shipwreck

The breakwater was extensively surveyed in 2018 both visually and photogrammetrically. The focus of 2019 was to calculate the volume of the rubble that had fallen from the breakwater largely to the east of the structure, in order to ascertain its original height and scale. The area around the breakwater was also more thoroughly investigated and a channel some 5-6m deep was clearly mapped to the east of the breakwater noting an entrance to the more sheltered water in the lee of the structure, an area of anchorage. Survey conducted by divers using underwater scooters enabled wider coverage of the offshore approaches, identified new finds including numerous stone anchors and what appears to be the remains of a wreck carrying roof tiles, still of uncertain date. To the west of the breakwater other concentrations of ceramics were also noted, however, the survey further offshore to the west in front of the shoreline buildings excavated by the Leicester team, still failed to identify any archaeological remains, making the theory that this was an area used as a roadstead, less feasible. All finds were noted, described and photographed underwater and a record of their location taken using GPS. Selected finds were lifted only when they were either in danger of further displacement on the seafloor or were useful chronological indicators.

The most important result of the 2019 season was confirmation that the eastern concentration of largely homogenous ceramics located on an elevated, rocky outcrop to the east of the breakwater and the sheltered channel, was indeed a shipwreck. Dating to the end of the 6th or the 7th century AD, as confirmed by ceramics expert Dr. Stella Demesticha of the University of Cyprus, the extensive remains of broken amphorae were identified scattered over an area of approximately 130,000 sqm, concreted to the rocks and caught in gullies. In the middle of the wreck lies an Aswan granite column also believed to belong to the vessel. The area was extensively surveyed and the number of amphora shoulders and rims were counted equating to almost 800 in total, reflecting a fairly substantial vessel for the period. Examples of the amphorae were lifted for further analysis, which is still ongoing.

In the middle of the wreck lies an Aswan granite column also believed to belong to the vessel

The work was carried out with the approval of the Republic of Cyprus Department of Antiquities and the UK Sovereign Base Areas Administration, and very much benefitted from the direct participation of RAF personnel who helped in the preparation and offered their time, expertise and support during the field season. The University of Cyprus, MARELab, offered support in the form of an excellent dive boat, as well as expertise, particularly with respect to ceramic identification. Nicosia based CP Marine Explorations provided the dive logistics, safety and underwater survey scooters, and Kembali Divers the tanks and air. Further support was provided by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation and the Western Sovereign Base Area Archaeological Society. This season the team was honored to welcome for a day the Base Station commander as visiting diver while the project was generously funded by the Honor Frost Foundation, UK, and sustained by a hardworking team of young maritime archaeologists.

Photo Source: Cyprus Department of Antiquities

Tornos
  1. 16/03 13:01

    Greek Deputy Foreign Μinister meets her Slovenian counterpart in Athens

  2. 16/03 12:56

    Greek-Canadian Diaspora to welcome Greek Prime Minister to Toronto

  3. 16/03 11:28

    Greek Migration Minister visits refugee hosting facilities in Kavala, Drama and Serres

  4. 15/03 21:50

    Greek Minister announces conference on defence ecosystem in Athens from Lithuania

  5. 15/03 13:45

    PM: More than 80 hospitals and 156 health centres being upgraded in Greece

  6. 15/03 12:55

    Piraeus Port and Genoa Chambers of Commerce ink memorandum of cooperation

  7. 14/03 23:43

    President of Hellenic Republic meets Prime Minister of Slovakia in Bratislava

  8. 14/03 22:58

    American Express report highlights Global Travel Trends during 2024

  9. 14/03 22:52

    Four hospitals in Attica Region already organizing afternoon surgical procedures

  10. 14/03 22:49

    US Ambassador to Athens: More flights from the United States to Greece and Thessaloniki

  11. 14/03 22:43

    Greek archaeologists discover ten ancient shipwrecks off Aegean island of Kasos

  12. 14/03 19:32

    No new intubations for Covid-19 recorded in Greece for the first time

  13. 14/03 18:36

    Extra road safety measures adopted for Greek pre-lent carnival and Clean Monday

  14. 14/03 14:48

    HRADF eyes bidders for Lavrio Port majority share

  15. 14/03 12:54

    Electric buses to be deployed on the streets of Athens and Thessaloniki by May

  16. 13/03 22:23

    Chairman: 2023 was an exceptional one for AEGEAN Airlines

  17. 13/03 20:11

    Prices of basic lenten products either lower or equal to last year's in Greece

  18. 13/03 19:15

    US Ambassador to Athens: Greece secures NATO readiness via Alexandroupolis

  19. 13/03 17:19

    Greece shines at 1st European Cruise Exhibition

  20. 13/03 12:26

    Greece shows new costumes for revamped Olympic Flame-lighting ceremony

  21. 12/03 22:46

    Epirotes Society of Philadelphia ‘Omonia’ organized 16th Annual ‘Tsipourovradia’

  22. 12/03 21:38

    The President of the Hellenic Republic to visit Slovakia on March 13-15

  23. 12/03 20:29

    First afternoon surgeries in Greece kick off at Papageorgiou Hospital in Thessaloniki

  24. 11/03 23:58

    Greek Foreign Minister: We stand behind Montenegro's European perspective

  25. 11/03 23:47

    Visa Express for Turkish citizens to commence on five Greek islands in March

  26. 11/03 19:40

    Amadeus acquires travel payments expert Voxel

  27. 11/03 18:49

    Microsoft Data Center construction kicks off in Spata next to Athens Airport

  28. 11/03 17:53

    Dodecanese Federation marked 76th Anniversary of Unification with Greece

  29. 09/03 22:23

    The future of travel planning is multimodal and interactive

  30. 08/03 14:27

    Prime Minister: Radical change in Greek education and a brave reform for growth

  31. 08/03 14:24

    Traffic restrictions expected in Athens mid-morning to evening on Friday due to protests

  32. 08/03 14:24

    Applications to out-of-court settlement more than doubled in Greece in February

  33. 08/03 13:18

    Metro station 'Maniatika' near Piraeus Port to be closed on Saturday and Sunday

  34. 07/03 14:12

    Athens wins World Travel Award 2024 as the top city-break destination in Europe

  35. 06/03 22:51

    WTTC data show Greece and Portugal lead league for growth in tourist arrivals

  36. 06/03 20:28

    Greek Tourism Minister at ITB: 2024 will be another excellent year for sector

  37. 06/03 19:47

    Greek Foreign Minister to meet UAE Minister of Industry and Technology on Friday

  38. 06/03 18:43

    European Union actions of 274m euros to support cultural heritage in Greece

  39. 06/03 16:37

    'Odontotos' rack railway temporarily stopped until landslides issue is resolved

  40. 06/03 14:40

    Minister: Bringing about the return of Greeks abroad 'a moral duty'

  41. 05/03 14:28

    Archdiocese of America Eparchial Synod to meet on March 14-17 in Florida

  42. 05/03 14:21

    The 'Lent Basket' to be launched in Greece on March 13

  43. 05/03 14:11

    ITB BERLIN 2024 opens with excellent bookings after global rise in travel in 2023

  44. 05/03 12:24

    Greek PM at Athens supermarket: Consumers 'can already see lower prices on the shelf'

  45. 04/03 22:02

    Greek Health Minister: Afternoon surgeries at state hospitals to begin shortly

  46. 04/03 21:47

    Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Whitestone Community marks 49th Anniversary

  47. 04/03 20:27

    Labor chief: Greece to train 500,000 workers in digital, green skills by 2025

  48. 04/03 19:44

    Foreign Ministry to organize event on 'Women, Peace, and Security' on Friday

  49. 04/03 15:12

    Athens Riviera | The summer experience with Athens as a background

  50. 29/02 22:54

    Consumers to see price cuts up to 18.1% in 3,000 Greek supermarket products as of Friday

  51. 29/02 21:44

    Greece and Germany set up Working Group on shipping cooperation

  52. 29/02 21:30

    Wyndham Rewards’ Member Month offers 5 weeks of deals, discounts, and bonus points

  53. 29/02 21:03

    Temple of Poseidon at Sounion near Athens to get new lighting system

  54. 29/02 21:02

    Greek Tourism Minister meets with Ambassador of Qatar

  55. 29/02 20:47

    Greece is represented by 60 firms at GULFOOD 2024 exhibition

  56. 29/02 19:58

    Greek government gives 1+1 month extension for cash register-integrated POS terminals

  57. 29/02 19:49

    Archangel Michael Church Dance Program shines at Folk Dance Festival in SF

  58. 29/02 15:39

    'Renovate-rent' programme to be launched, Minister tells Greek Parliament

  59. 29/02 12:39

    Rio-Antirrio ferry line in central Greece closed due to strong winds

  60. 28/02 21:34

    Weather with heavy rain and storms in Greece as of Sunday night

  61. 28/02 17:31

    CEO: The goal is for PPC to become a leading player in Southeast Europe

  62. 28/02 17:04

    New Wyndham Hotels Market Managing Director of Central and Eastern Europe

  63. 28/02 12:21

    Minister: Transactions with the Greek State will be further simplified in 2024

  64. 28/02 11:57

    24-hour strikes halt trains and ferries in Greece

  65. 27/02 17:25

    UN Tourism hails Saudi Arabia's historic milestone of 100 million tourists

  66. 27/02 15:00

    Greek Prime Minister: Relations with Armenia can become even more productive

  67. 27/02 14:26

    Wyndham: New growth cycle in Greece for the largest hotel chain franchise in the world

  68. 27/02 13:15

    Price cuts of up to 15% in important product categories in Greece after March 1

  69. 27/02 12:46

    Athens taxi drivers' protest rally in progress from Athinon avenue to Messogion

  70. 26/02 18:30

    Annual Summit of Women Political Leaders (WPL) to be held in Athens in April

  71. 26/02 18:27

    Culture Ministry: Schwartz Mansion in Ampelakia near Larisa to get new lighting

  72. 26/02 17:25

    Greek president organizes reception for diplomats at Presidential Mansion

  73. 26/02 16:33

    Trapped rack-railway passengers returned safely to Diakopto in Peloponnese

  74. 26/02 16:21

    Public transport, ferry and taxi strikes in Athens on Wednesday

  75. 25/02 12:30

    Greek island of Ikaria among the Blue Zones for Health Eating and Longevity

  76. 24/02 20:39

    Greek PM meets Qatar Emir: Focus on bilateral cooperation and investments

  77. 24/02 18:25

    Prescription cannabis for medicinal use legally available in Greece for the first time

  78. 24/02 17:19

    MInister: The aim is to make fishing and fish-farming a key pillar of the economy

  79. 23/02 23:36

    Greek Prime Minister arrives in Doha to be received by Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi

  80. 23/02 23:26

    The Festival of Greek Dances takes place in the Metropolis of San Francisco

  81. 23/02 21:32

    Revealing "70 Years of Friendship: Greece's photo journey through the Korean War"

  82. 23/02 17:15

    16 Greek firms showcase at international fashion exhibitions in London

  83. 23/02 14:09

    Flights to and from Heraklion airport in Crete resume on Saturday

  84. 22/02 18:15

    Bill for non-state, non-profit universities being tabled in Greek Parliament on Thursday

  85. 22/02 18:13

    Temporary residence for displaced Ukrainians extended in Greece to March 2025

  86. 22/02 18:10

    American Hellenic Institute Golden Jubilee celebration Includes concert on April 12

  87. 22/02 18:09

    Tourism Minister stresses importance of strong relationship of Greece with Serbia

  88. 22/02 17:58

    Education protest rally ends and traffic resumes in Athens city center

  89. 21/02 19:47

    Twistic and WeavAIR startups clinch the UN Tourism Hospitality Challenge

  90. 21/02 18:34

    Greece's key aim is enhancing relations with India

  91. 21/02 18:13

    Traffic in Athens returning to normal after tractors depart from the Greek capital

  92. 21/02 13:01

    Greek Tourism Minister in Belgrade for International Exhibition

  93. 21/02 00:55

    Resilience through diversity and investments the aim of UN Tourism visit to Jamaica

  94. 20/02 23:38

    Rally concludes with farmer tractors leaving Athens on Wednesday morning

  95. 20/02 20:43

    Greek Prime Minister on official visit to India as of Wednesday

  96. 20/02 16:51

    Minister: Greece wants to become India's gateway to the European Union

  97. 19/02 21:19

    DEFEA Conference to be held at Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens on May 15

  98. 19/02 19:06

    Traffic restrictions for farmers' rally in central Athens on Tuesday

  99. 19/02 18:11

    Greece wins top tourist destination award at Grand Travel Awards in Sweden

  100. 19/02 14:23

    Health Minister: Option of afternoon surgeries at public hospitals start in Greece