This remarkable find is the world's oldest known intact shipwreck, discovered more than two kilometers below the surface by researchers.
The secret to its astonishing preservation lies in the Black Sea's unique anoxic zone, a deep layer of water where oxygen levels are exceptionally low.
This lack of oxygen prevents the activity of wood-eating organisms like the *Teredo navalis* shipworm, which typically devour wooden wrecks in other seas.
As a result, the 23-meter-long ship, dating back to around 400 BC, sits on the seabed with its mast, rudders, and even rowing benches still largely in place.
It is like a snapshot from the ancient world, giving researchers an unprecedented look at shipbuilding techniques of that era, designs previously known mostly from texts and drawings.
This isn't an isolated discovery; scientists with the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP) have located over 60 well-preserved shipwrecks in the area.
These vessels span millennia, with examples from the Byzantine and Roman eras all the way back to ancient Greece, creating an underwater museum.
Each wreck acts as a time capsule, providing invaluable insights into ancient trade routes, seafaring capabilities, and life aboard these ancient vessels.
The discovery of these preserved fleets is rewriting chapters of maritime history, offering direct evidence of past nautical achievements.
Sources: University of Southampton, Smithsonian Magazine, National Institute and Museum of Archaeology Bulgaria, ExplorersWeb#AncientMaritime #ShipwreckDiscovery #BlackSeaArchaeology