A team of underwater archaeologists discovered human bones in a Roman shipwreck known as Antykithira in 2016. This discovery may allow scientists to understand the life of the ancients even better.
The wreck was discovered in 1900 off the coast of Greece – next to the Greek island of Antikythera, between Kithira and Crete. Inside, many objects were found that changed the view of the ancient Romans on the world at that time. There were found statues, sculptures, and an ancient mysterious tool known as the Antikythera Mechanism.
Since that great discovery, humanity has been fascinated by the find near Antikythera. The latest information about the discovery of human remains in the wreckage gives hope for new revelations. Despite the fact that bones have been under water for thousands of years, researchers believe that DNA testing will reveal the diet and health of the deceased before death.
This remarkable discovery was made by a team led by Brendan Foley. The remains were in the sand at the bottom of the ocean. First, the forearm bones were identified, then the upper jaw, teeth, skull, femurs, and ribs. A complete skeleton has also been found deep in the sand.
A team of specialists extracted the bones, one by one, in bags filled with seawater, so as not to damage the well-preserved “treasures”. Some of the bones have traces of iron, which may mean that the dead were handcuffed and lived slaves. Researchers are waiting for state funding for research in order to better understand the history of the ship and crew.
