TED-Ed: Why is this 2,500 year old shipwreck so well-preserved? | Helen Farr and Jon Adams

A remotely operated vehicle discovered an ancient Greek shipwreck in the Black Sea, dating back to 350-410 BCE. The Black Sea's unique meromictic nature, with its oxygen-deprived lower layer, has preserved numerous shipwrecks from various eras, including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. This environment prevents decomposition, allowing ships to remain intact for centuries. Recent discoveries include a medieval Italian merchant ship, highlighting the region's historical significance in trade. However, the fragile nature of these preserved ships poses challenges for researchers, as they cannot be brought to the surface intact.

What significant discovery was made about the shipwreck found 60 kilometers off the Bulgarian coast?

What evidence confirmed the ancient origins of the shipwreck?

What role did the Black Sea play in historical trade and conflict?

How does the preservation environment of the Black Sea differ from other bodies of water?

Why are the ships found in the Black Sea considered fragile despite their preservation?