Over 12,000 wrecks at bottom of Mediterranean Sea | Photo: ANSA
More than 12,000 shipwrecks have been found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea, dating from around the 3rd century BCE to 2nd CE; much more than in the next century. This difference is not due to the fact that sailing skills have improved, but rather the well-being of the inhabitants has decreased, and thus sea trade has lost its importance.
The decline in the standard of living is confirmed by the fact that there are more skeletons of domesticated cattle in ancient wrecks than in finds dating back to the Middle Ages.
Sources
- McKeown J. C., A Cabinet of Roman Curiosities: Strange Tales and Surprising Facts from the World's Greatest Empire
