2,300-Year-Old Shipwreck Filled with Wine Jars Found off Egypt
An engineer was conducting a regular survey of the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt’s coast when he noticed something in the water.
It turned out to be a 2,300-year-old shipwreck, according to an Aug. 5 news release from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
The ancient ship was discovered less than a half-mile off the coast of El-Alamein — which was an important commercial region during the third century BC, Mostafa Waziri, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in the release. The find gives more insight into Egypt’s role as a center for trade, economy and tourism in ancient times.
Archaeologists at the site discovered a number of ancient artifacts in the ruins of the ship, including wood from the boat, hundreds of pieces of pottery, and a number of jars that were imported from Rhodes, a Greek island, officials said.
The Greek jars, also known as amphoras, were used for storing and transporting wine, according to archaeologists. Experts said the ship’s contents indicate that it was a merchant ship.
They were found on a sunken island next to the ship, confirming that the wreck probably occurred because it collided with the underwater landmass.
Officials said excavations of the ship will continue.
El-Alamein is about 170 miles northwest of Cairo.
