A monumental discovery has been confirmed off the coast of Komiža, near Croatia’s Vis island: the remarkably preserved remains of a Greek merchant ship dating back to the 4th century BC, Arkeonews reports.
This find offers an unprecedented glimpse into a pivotal era when ancient Greeks established colonies on the Adriatic islands of Issa (modern-day Vis) and Pharos (now Hvar).
Initially spotted in 2023, the wreck, lying at a depth of 30 to 50 meters, has now been officially validated by experts from the Underwater Archaeology Department of the Croatian Conservation Institute.
“From our first dive, we sensed the site was something extraordinary,” shared diver Marko Lete with Croatian Public Television (HRT). “We recovered a coin, still undergoing analysis, but the surrounding pottery clearly indicated a 4th century BC origin. This makes it one of the oldest shipwrecks ever discovered in the Adriatic Sea.”
As excavations progressed, the team unearthed a treasure trove of well-preserved artifacts, including exquisite Hellenistic pottery, personal items, human remains, and, most notably, a significantly intact section of the ship’s wooden hull.
Jurica Bezak, lead archaeologist and senior conservator at the Croatian Conservation Institute, emphasized the ship’s exceptional condition.
“This site has no equal in the region,” Bezak stated. “The luxury ceramics and the lead-plated wooden structure are extraordinarily well-preserved, offering unique insights into ancient shipbuilding techniques.”
Related: Massive Ancient Greek Defensive Wall Unearthed in Croatia
The ship is believed to have been a vital supply vessel for the nascent colony of Issa, carrying amphorae, fine ceramics, and containers of olive oil, spices, and preserved food – artifacts that illuminate the daily life and intricate trade networks of early Greek settlers in the Adriatic. Lete marveled, “Some items emerging from the silt appear as if they were made yesterday,” a testament to the ancient vessel’s remarkable craftsmanship and engineering.
Beyond its archaeological significance, this discovery is set to enrich Vis’s cultural and educational landscape. Bezak confirmed that many of the recovered artifacts, once restored, will be showcased in the island’s museum, benefiting both the local community and tourism.
The Croatian Conservation Institute, in collaboration with local diving clubs and the Vis Heritage Museum, continues the ongoing excavation. Due to the complexity and delicate nature of the preservation process, research at the site is anticipated to span several years.
Ancient Greek ships in Croatia and the Adriatic
The 4th century BC marked a transformative period for the Adriatic, characterized by the expansion of Greek colonial influence. Syracusean Greek settlers founded Issa (on Vis) around 397 BC, followed by the establishment of Pharos (on Hvar Island) in 384 BC.
These colonies were instrumental in disseminating Hellenic culture, trade, and maritime dominance in the eastern Adriatic, with Issa evolving into a crucial hub of commerce and culture.
The newly discovered shipwreck provides direct, tangible evidence of the era’s advanced shipbuilding and extensive trade networks, forging a rare connection to the seafaring practices and daily lives of early Greek colonists in the Adriatic Sea.
Related: Three Historical Shipwrecks Discovered in the Mediterranean
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