Homer's Iliad guides archaeologists to ancient shipwrecks off Greece
The Iliad, a Greek epic reputedly written by Homer, was crafted in the 8th or 7th century BCE. Despite being ancient, this work's hints have been invaluable even in modern times. Archaeologists have utilised these clues in their search for shipwrecks off Greece's shores. During their exploration, they discovered ten shipwrecks among other significant findings.
Researchers from the Greek National Foundation of Research and the Ministry of Culture employed various historical and archaeological sources in their study, including the celebrated Greek epic, the Iliad. This epic alludes to the island of Kasos, which, during Homer's era, was believed to be a crucial trading hub and a participant in the battle against Troy.
How the Iliad aided researchers
The hints from the Iliad, alongside other sources, were incredibly beneficial during four expeditions conducted from 2019 to 2023 near Kasos in the Aegean Sea. These led to the uncovering of many precious artefacts from the past.
"In the course of the research, we discovered a total of ten shipwrecks, as well as notable individual findings that span a wide temporal range. They are approximately dated to the prehistoric period (around 3000 BCE), the Classical period (about 460 BCE), the Hellenistic period (from 100 BCE to 100 CE), the Roman era (200 BCE to 300 CE), the Byzantine period (800 - 900 CE), and even items from the medieval and Ottoman periods" - according to the statement from the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Among the unearthed items were a Spanish Dressel 20 amphora with a seal on its handle from around 150-170 CE, African terra sigillata ceramics from the Roman period, and a stone anchor dating back to the archaic period. The findings indicate that the ships carried cargo between Europe, Africa, and Asia, as noted by the IFL Science service.
Advanced scientific equipment played a crucial role in the research. With the help of modern technology, more than 20,000 underwater photographs were captured. Techniques such as sonar, mapping, and bathymetry were also used. All this offers a glimpse into Kasos's history and provides invaluable information about the Mediterranean Sea's extensive cultural heritage.
