Marine archaeologists using advanced underwater drones have located the well-preserved wreck of a 1st-century Roman merchant vessel off the coast of Greece. The ship was carrying a heavy cargo of Parian marble, including several intact fluted columns and large architectural blocks destined for a major construction project in the Roman Empire.
In addition to the marble, the team recovered a collection of lead ingots stamped with imperial seals and small personal items belonging to the crew, such as bronze coins and oil lamps. The vessel’s position at a depth of 60 meters has kept the wooden hull remarkably intact, offering a rare opportunity to study ancient Roman ship construction techniques.