Roman-Era shipwreck found off Cyprus east coast

Cyprus’ Antiquities Department says the first undisturbed wreck of an ancient Roman-era ship has been discovered at the bottom of the sea off the east Mediterranean island nation’s east coast.

The department said the ship was loaded with transport amphorae, or large jars, most probably from Syria and ancient Cilicia on modern-day Turkey’s southeastern coast.

Though it gave no other details about the wreck, it said a study underway is expected to shed light on the breadth and scale of seaborne trade between Cyprus and other Roman provinces in the eastern Med.

The wreck was found by a pair of volunteer divers with the University of Cyprus’ archaeological research