Archaeology & History

Further treasures found in Antikythera wreck

By T.K. Randall
October 10, 2014

Image: Antikythera Mechanism - National Archaeological Museum, Athens
Credit: Joyofmuseums / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) The ancient vessel, which dates back to around 70 BC, was first discovered by Greek sponge divers a century ago. It was later made famous thanks to the recovery of a complex geared astronomical prediction mechanism believed to be the world's earliest known analogue computer.

Now archaeologists have been utilizing the very latest in diving technology to return to the wreck in search of what other treasures its rotting timbers might still hold.The most recent expedition ran from September 15th to October 7th and succeeded in uncovering some tantalizing new finds including a selection of tableware, some ship components and a long bronze spear that appeared to have once been part of a warrior statue.

Researchers believe that the ship was traveling from the coast of Asia Minor to Rome when it sunk and that it had been carrying the valuables of a woman who was due to be married.

The primary goal of future dives will be to look for either more parts of the existing mechanism or to discover signs of any other similar devices amongst the wreck's remains.

Source: BBC News

Tags: Antikythera Mechanism