Ancient Greek vessel is the World’s oldest intact shipwreck

Off the Bulgarian coast, just over a mile beneath the surface of the Black Sea, archaeologists have discovered what they believe is the world’s oldest intact shipwreck. Measuring some 75 feet (23 meters) long, the ship is thought to be an ancient Greek trading vessel. With its mast still standing, and its rudders and rowing benches still in place, it has lain undisturbed on the ocean floor for more than 2,400 years. The ship has remained extremely well preserved because the waters around it are anoxic, or completely devoid of oxygen.

Fans of classical literature might recognize the newly discovered vessel as the type painted on ancient Greek pottery, the 'Siren Vase.' Researchers removed a small piece of the ship to be carbon-dated, which confirmed its advanced age. The Black Sea was an important trade route between Europe and Asia.

Greek ships sailed from the Mediterranean carrying goods to its many colonies lining the Black Sea coast.