The team from the underwater archaeology department of the Croatian Conservation Institute has confirmed a significant discovery on the floor of the Adriatic Sea. Near the Croatian island of Vis, researchers uncovered a Greek trading vessel dating back to the 4th century B.C. During that time, the ancient Greeks were actively establishing colonies on the Adriatic islands.
Researchers first stumbled upon the ship, resting at a depth of 30 to 50 meters, in 2023. The archaeological team has now begun studying artifacts from the sunken vessel, officially confirming the historical significance of this find.
“From the very first dive, we sensed that there was something unusual in this location. We found a coin that is currently being analyzed in the lab. However, the discovered ceramics clearly indicated the 4th century B.C. This means it is one of the oldest sunken ships ever found in the Adriatic Sea,” said team member Marko Lete.
During the excavation, the team uncovered well-preserved artifacts, including exquisite Greek pottery, personal belongings, human remains, and a remarkably intact section of the ship’s wooden hull.
Here’s what Jurica Bezak, the lead archaeologist and senior restorer at the Croatian Conservation Institute, had to say: “This object has no equal in the region. The luxurious pottery and the lead sheathing of the wooden structure have been exceptionally well-preserved, providing a unique opportunity to learn about ancient shipbuilding methods.”
The ship is believed to have been transporting various goods to the recently established colony of Issa (modern-day Vis). Among the cargo were amphorae, ceramics, olive oil, spices, and preserved foods; these and other artifacts shed light on the daily life and trade of the first Greek settlers in the Adriatic.
“Some items emerging from the mud look as if they were made yesterday,” Lete added.
In addition to its significant archaeological value, this discovery will enrich the cultural and educational landscape of Vis, according to Arkeonews. After restoration, many of the found artifacts will be displayed in the island’s museum, benefiting the local tourism industry.
The Croatian Conservation Institute continues to oversee the excavations in collaboration with local diving clubs and the Vis Heritage Museum. The research at the site is expected to last several years due to the complexity and delicacy of the work. The founding of Issa and Pharos in the 4th century B.C.
This was a time of change in the Adriatic region, marked by the expansion of Greek colonial influence. Greek settlers from Syracuse established the colony of Issa (modern-day Vis) around 397 B.C., and shortly thereafter, in 384 B.C., Pharos (modern-day Hvar).
The colonies played a crucial role in spreading Hellenistic culture, trade, and Greek maritime dominance in the eastern Adriatic.
The sunken vessel from the 4th century B.C. serves as direct material evidence of the advanced shipbuilding and trade connections of that era. Soon, the ship’s researchers will offer a rare opportunity for locals and tourists to learn about the daily lives and seafaring of early Greek colonists in the Adriatic Sea.