Dozens of perfectly preserved ancient shipwrecks have been found at the bottom of the Black Sea, offering an unprecedented glimpse into maritime history. A total of 60 wrecks were discovered, dating back as far as 2,500 years, including galleys from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Scientists stumbled upon the graveyard while using underwater robots to survey the effects of climate change along the Bulgarian coast. The Black Sea's lower layer is anoxic, containing almost no light or oxygen, meaning little life can survive. This environment cannot support organisms that typically feast on organic materials, such as wood and flesh, leaving the wrecks in excellent condition.
Researchers say the discovery is 'truly unrivalled'. Many of the ships have features that are only known from drawings or written description but never seen until now. Carvings in the wood of some ships have remained intact for centuries, while well-preserved rope was found aboard one 2,000-year-old Roman vessel.
Ed Parker, CEO of the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (Black Sea MAP), said: 'Some of the ships we discovered had only been seen on murals and mosaics until this moment. There's one medieval trading vessel where the towers on the bow and stern are pretty much still there. It's as if you are looking at a ship in a movie, with ropes still on the deck and carvings in the wood.'
Most of the vessels found are around 1,300 years old, but the oldest dates back to the 4th Century BC. Many of the wrecks' details and locations are being kept secret by the team to ensure they remain undisturbed.
