Ship Graveyard Discovered by Underwater Archaeologists near Ancient Ptolemais
Archaeologists from the University of Warsaw have announced the discovery of a significant "ship graveyard" near the ancient port of Ptolemais in northern Libya. The find, consisting of a high concentration of shipwrecks and maritime artifacts, sheds new light on the navigational challenges and trade importance of the region in antiquity.
The Port of Ptolemais
Ptolemais was one of the five major cities of the Cyrenaican Pentapolis, established by the Ptolemaic dynasty between the late 4th and 3rd centuries BC. For centuries, it served as a vital maritime hub, connecting North Africa with the rest of the Mediterranean world, until the Arab conquest in the 7th century AD.
A Treacherous Approach
The discovery was made during a recent expedition led by Polish and local experts, marking a return to the site after a 13-year hiatus. The "graveyard" spans a stretch of over 100 meters and is located near a shallow rock formation that likely acted as a natural trap for vessels.
According to expedition leader Bartosz Kontny, the concentration of submerged material suggests that multiple ships were lost here over a long period. "The level of the Mediterranean Sea has risen slightly over the centuries, and earthquakes have caused the coast to erode, leaving much of the ancient port infrastructure underwater," Kontny explained.
Key Finds
Underwater surveys revealed a wealth of archaeological material, including:
Structural Remains: Ancient columns and traces of submerged roads that once formed part of the bustling port.
Navigation Tools: Numerous dropped anchors and ancient probes used by sailors to measure the depth of the seabed.
Trade Goods: Fragments of cargo, such as amphorae, providing evidence of the diverse goods passing through the city.
Unique Artifacts: A notable find includes a bronze aequipodium—a component of a Roman balance scale—cast in the shape of a woman's head.
Beyond the Waves
The research wasn't limited to the sea. On land, archaeologists also uncovered a Roman milestone dating back to the early 3rd century AD during the Severan dynasty. The milestone bears a Greek inscription, highlighting the administrative and logistical importance of the region during the Roman Empire.
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