Thematic sections

3.4 Roman shipwreck with Rhodian amphorae



The wreck was investigated by Cousteau’s divers as Shipwreck IV, in May 1976, under the supervision of the Greek archaeologist Lazaros Kolonas. The site was located at a depth of 30-33m on a sloping sandy bottom, in one of Dhia’s southern bays. During the investigation around 350 Rhodian amphorae were recovered, several of which were intact. After the recovery of surface finds a layer of numerous similar amphorae -around 1500 according to the divers- was detected, that was left at the bottom. The wreck was relocated in a 2011 survey of the Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities.

Besides Rhodian amphorae, some samples of different types may be interpreted as residues of previous cargoes or containers holding supplies for the crew. Various small vessels seem also to have served the crew’s needs like the lagynos (jar) presented.

Rhodes, originally a commercial competitor to Rome, was in the 2nd c. AD a Roman province, continuing to produce and export its wine and other products. The Rhodian cargo in Dhia may indicate trade with Roman Crete, also a wine production center, or a ship in route to the western Mediterranean.

Same thematic section texts (7)

Characteristic Icon
3. Crete and the sea
Characteristic Icon
3.1 The harbour of Herakleion
Characteristic Icon
3.2 The Venetian Harbour
Characteristic Icon
3.3 The underwater research of 1976 (Cousteau - MCE)
Characteristic Icon
3.5 Byzantine amphorae shipwreck
Characteristic Icon
3.6 Venetian shipwreck with ballast of architectural elements
Characteristic Icon
3.7 Underwater excavation at St. Georgios cove, Dhia (1976)