The Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture conducted an on-site inspection following a tip from a private citizen in a marine area off the island of Andros, where it located the cargo of an ancient ship.

The wreck was located at a depth of 39–44 meters, and its cargo consists of commercial pointed-bottom amphorae. At least three different types of commercial pointed-bottom amphorae (Mendes, Peparithos, and Solokha 2) were identified. During the on-site survey, one amphora of each type was recovered as a sample. The chronological framework for these amphorae is defined as the late 5th and early 4th centuries B.C. A section of a lead anchor fluke was also found at the shipwreck site, as well as a small number of stones that may be related to the ship’s ballast. According to an initial estimate, approximately 600–650 amphorae were counted.

This particularly interesting find enriches our knowledge of trade and seafaring during the Late Classical period. Further study of the find will undoubtedly yield additional interesting information regarding both its cargo and its origin.

The team from the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities consisted of Dionysios Evangelistis, a diving archaeologist; Angelos Tsombanidis, a diving conservator of antiquities; and Louis Mersennier, an underwater technician.