The recent discovery of ancient shipwrecks off the coast of Kasos in Greece has been a remarkable event that has captured the attention of archaeologists and history enthusiasts alike. The Kasos Strait, a part of the Aegean Sea, has long been known as a historical maritime route that has seen countless ships pass through its waters over millennia. The recent underwater archaeological survey, which used Homer’s Iliad as a guide to know what routes to follow, has brought to light the remnants of ten shipwrecks that span a vast period of history, from around 3000 B.C. to the medieval and Ottoman periods.

Kasos shipwrecks

The multi-year survey was conducted by the Hellenic National Research Foundation and Greece’s Ministry of Culture, and it involved four expeditions that have significantly contributed to our understanding of ancient maritime history. The discoveries include a diverse array of artifacts that provide a glimpse into the trade and cultural exchanges that took place in the Mediterranean region. Among the finds were an Archaic-period anchor, Roman-era terra sigillata pottery made in Africa, drinking vessels, a Spanish amphora dating to between A.D. 150 and 170, and a ship likely from World War II.

The oldest of the shipwrecks dates back to 3000 B.C., making it one of the most ancient maritime losses discovered in the region. This shipwreck, along with the others found during the survey, offers invaluable insights into the types of vessels that navigated the Aegean Sea and the kinds of goods they transported. The presence of items from Spain, Italy, Africa, and Asia Minor among the shipwrecks’ cargoes indicates a vibrant and interconnected trade network that existed thousands of years ago.

The survey’s findings also include a stone anchor from the Archaic period, which lasted from the 8th century B.C. until the 5th century B.C. This anchor is a testament to the maritime technology of the time and the skill of ancient sailors who navigated the treacherous waters of the Kasos Strait. The terra sigillata flasks from Africa and the Spanish amphora with a seal on its handle are indicative of the wide range of goods that were traded across the Mediterranean, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and economic history.

The shipwrecks were found at depths of between 65 and 155 feet, and the researchers took more than 20,000 underwater photos to document their findings. They also employed side-scanning sonar to map the Kasos-Karpathos reef for the first time, revealing the underwater landscape that has claimed so many vessels over the centuries.

Homer’s Iliad (Trojan War)

The significance of these discoveries cannot be overstated. They not only provide a tangible connection to the past but also offer a wealth of information that can help us understand the historical significance of the Kasos Strait as a major trade hub east of Crete. The use of Homer’s Iliad as a guide by the researchers underscores the enduring legacy of ancient texts in shedding light on historical events and places.

The interdisciplinary research team, which included diving archaeologists, historians, architects, geologists, postgraduate students, and other specialists, has made a monumental contribution to the field of underwater archaeology. Their work has unveiled a chapter of history that lay hidden beneath the waves, waiting to be discovered and told.

The recent shipwrecks discovered off the coast of Kasos are a treasure trove of historical knowledge. They serve as a reminder of the dynamic and interconnected world of the ancient Mediterranean, where ships carried goods and ideas across vast distances, contributing to the cultural and economic development of the region. These shipwrecks are not just relics of the past; they are markers of human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of exploration that has always driven us to seek new horizons.