Byzantine Gold: Unearthing the Treasures of an Ancient Shipwreck
Archaeologists found four gold ceremonial belt sets, rare coins and a signet ring, evidence of elite travel and trade on the Byzantine vessel.
- On Thursday, archaeologists announced that a Byzantine-era shipwreck discovered off Mljet, Croatia, likely carried a high-ranking person based on gold treasures and artifacts indicating it was no ordinary merchant vessel.
- Researchers from the Croatian Conservation Institute recovered over 600 grams of gold, including coins from the Heraclius dynasty ruling between 610 and 711 AD, suggesting the ship transported significant wealth across Mediterranean maritime routes.
- A gold signet ring depicting an emperor stands among the finds, which Pavle Dugonjic, head of the Department of Underwater Archaeology, noted "certainly wouldn't be worn by just anyone." The ring signifies extraordinary passenger status.
- This discovery culminates 19 years of underwater research by the Croatian Conservation Institute's Department of Underwater Archaeology, with Professor Justin Leidwanger of Stanford University leading current analysis of cargo to uncover Byzantine craftsmanship insights.
- Experts view the shipwreck as critical for understanding the late Roman Empire's transformation into the medieval world, providing insights into how Mediterranean sea routes held the empire together before it fragmented during early eighth-century turmoil.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Over 40 gold objects were found in a shipwreck that occurred in the 7th or 8th century.
The ancient object, found in the United Kingdom in 2019, was recently classified as "treasure".
Mystery of gold coin shipwreck finally unmasked after 30 years: 'Fantastic conclusion' – Democratic Accent
Researchers in the United Kingdom believe they’ve finally identified a shipwreck off England’s southern coast — a discovery three decades in the making. The identification was announced in June by Bournemouth University and centers on a shipwreck discovered near Salcombe, Devon, in 1995. At the time, divers recovered over 400 Moroccan gold coins — but there was no clue as to what the ship was called and where it came from. 1,740-YEAR-OLD ROMAN C…
Sydney Morning Herald
Ancient shipwreck reveals gold treasures near Croatia
Gold and jewels have been discovered off the coast of Croatia inside the wreck of a Byzantine Empire ship.
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