New Antikythera shipwreck expedition yields 50 objects

50 new objects were recovered from the same wreck that yielded the Antikythera mechanism!

Marine archeologists recovered more than 50 objects during the underwater expedition at the site of the famous Antikythera Shipwreck between 26 August and September 16. The archaeologists hope that to expand on existing scientific knowledge about the wreck and its cargo after a closer examination of these objects.

Among the objects pulled up and identified were:
* an amphora that was intact
* a large anchor release ring that is indicative of the size of the anchor for which it was intended
* two nested lead anchor parts that indicate the direction that the boat followed towards the seabed
* a small four-sided stone “base” with 12 holes
* a small wine vessel known as lagynos that was popular at the time of the wreck
* agglomerates
* slag from iron and brass nails and other objects
* lead sheets from the vessel’s leading

So far, the expedition – led by Dr. Angeliki Simosi (head of the Hellenic Ephorate of Underwater Angiquities) and marine archeologist Ben Foley (US Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute WHOI) – into the shipwreck by Greek and foreign marine archeologists has been arduous due to the depth of the wreck, weather in the region, and the fact that the shipwreck has already been searched many times. Despite this, scientists feel that the ongoing objects and data will help answer some important details and address the mystery of the wreck.

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