Ancient Greek Shipwreck Found in Croatian Waters Redefines Our Knowledge of Maritime Navigation

A dive into history: discovery off Komiža

In 2023, by exploring the seabed, the diver team discovered fragments of pottery dispersed in the sand. There was also a coin whose analysis is still in progress. This site, located between 30 and 50 meters deep, only suspected the presence of an ancient vestige. A year later, the investigation intensified with the arrival of specialists from the underwater archeology department. Very quickly, the first dives confirmed revealing clues. “” From our first descent, we understood that we were faced with something extraordinary “Confides Marko Lete, a diver involved in operations, to the HRT public channel.

The excavations made it possible to identify the structure of a Greek ship dating from the 4th century BC. AD, remarkably preserved under a layer of protective sediment. According to Judica Bezak, main and conservative archaeologist within the Institute, the wreck has a rare conservation state for the region. The old vessel, one of the oldest ever brought to light in the Adriatic Sea, testifies to the intense activity of Greek sailors at the time when they established colonies like Issa (current live). This discovery sheds light on the strategic importance of the Adriatic in the commercial networks of the ancient Mediterranean.

An intact vestige and remarkable artifacts

Under a thick layer of protective sediment, the wreck has therefore kept a large part of its structure. It offers a striking vision of the Greek naval know-how in the 4th century BC. The ship, about twenty meters long according to the first estimates, presents a wooden frame partially wounded with lead. This rare technique has contributed to its exceptional preservation. “” The wooden -soiled wood structure and the luxury objects found have no equivalent in the region Said Jurica Bezak. The robustness of this construction makes it possible to better understand the methods used by Hellenic craftsmen to face crossings at the Adriatic Sea.

Around the wreckage, archaeologists have uncovered a rich cargo. There are whole amphorae used to transport wine, olive oil and other foodstuffs, fine ceramics with Hellenistic patterns, spice containers and processed foods. These artifacts bear witness to a flourishing trade between the colony of Issa and other Mediterranean ports. Even more disturbing, human remains have been discovered, suggesting that the sinking caused losses among the crew.

“” Some artefacts extracted from the silt seem to have been manufactured yesterday “, Surprises Marko Lete. He talks about Arkeonews the impeccable condition of several parts. We can thus understand the daily life of sailors and the sophistication of exchanges in an expanding Greek Adriatic.

Historical context: Greek colonies in Adriatic

In the 4th century BC. AD, the eastern Adriatic experiences a deep transformation under the impulse of the Greek colonists from Syracuse. The latter founded the colony of Issa, on the current island of Vis, around 397 BC. AD then Pharos, today Hvar, was born a few years later in 384 BC. These establishments do not constitute simple outposts. They become real organized urban centers, with fortifications, agoras, temples and even a clean monetary system. According to Jurica Bezak, this Greek Adriatic expansion responds to strategic and economic issues. “” The colonies served as a relay for trade, but also an anchor points for Hellenic culture. Especially important in a region then dominated by Illyrian populations “Explains the archaeologist.

The ship discovered near Komiža, probably a refueling vessel, is fully part of this context. Its cargo-amphora of olive oil, spices and ceramics-reflects the intensity of the exchanges between the mother cities and their colonies. Marko Lete emphasizes that these artifacts ” testify to the central role of the Adriatic as a maritime corridor connecting the eastern Mediterranean to the European coasts ». The presence of such a commercial infrastructure explains why Issa becomes a regional pivot, attracting navigators, merchants and craftsmen. The wreckage thus offers material proof of these complex networks and the Greek mastery of maritime roads. It consolidated its cultural and economic influence on the Adriatic basin.

A scientific and cultural adventure over several years

Operations on the site require complex logistics and rigorous methodology to preserve fragile materials extracted from the depths. The Croatian Conservation Institute coordinates interventions in close collaboration with the Musée du Patrimoine de Vis and several local diving clubs, mobilizing archaeologists, restaurateurs and experienced divers. The conservation of wooden elements, in particular, requires prolonged treatments to avoid their degradation once exposed to air. “” Each part requires meticulous attention to ensure its stability and allow a detailed study “, Underlines Judica Bezak.

Research is not limited to extraction. They include scientific analyzes aimed at identifying the origins of the cargoes, the wood species used for the construction of the ship and the assembly techniques used. These data will make it possible to better understand the commercial roads and the naval skills of the Greeks at that time. Part of the results should also feed permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Musée de Vis. The latter will constitute the main depositary of restored objects.

At the same time, the project includes an educational and tourist dimension. Local partners plan to create a museum route around Greek colonization in Adriatic, in order to enhance this legacy with visitors. This approach combines heritage preservation and economic benefits for the island community. With several years of planned investigations, the wreckage becomes a major scientific project, capable of producing new knowledge on ancient navigation and Mediterranean exchanges of the 4th century BC. J.-C.