Submerged Greek ruins reveal trove of artifacts — including statue of a god, photos show

Partially submerged beneath cerulean water lie the ruins of a colossal building dating back thousands of years.

The stone structure stretches seaward from the coast of Salamis Island, about 15 miles west of Athens, Greece. Measuring about 100 by 20 feet, it was once a public building used by residents of the ancient city of Salamis.

Intent on examining it, archaeologists undertook a difficult excavation — revealing troves of ancient treasures, including coins, pottery and a statue of a god.

The operation, which took place late last year, required surrounding the ruins with a flexible barrier and regularly pumping water away from the site, according to an Aug. 2 news release from the Greek Ministry of Culture.

In the wet sediment, archaeologists found numerous fragments of Hellenistic ceramics, including Athenian pottery dating to the fourth century B.C.

Shards of amphorae, a type of container; luxury marble containers; and 30 copper coins were also unearthed.

Additionally, a stone anchor, measuring about 14 inches long, was found with a hole likely used for a mooring rope.

Traces of religion were uncovered as well.

A partial statue of a robed male figure, measuring about half a foot tall, was located. It is believed to represent Asclepius, the Greek and Roman god of medicine, prophecy and truth.

According to ancient sources, the god was known to have been worshiped in the region, specifically during an annual festival in Athens known as Aianteia.

A pair of column fragments with partial inscriptions were unearthed as well. One dates to the Roman era and contains a list of names, while the other dates to the Hellenistic period

Throughout the excavation, which is just the latest in a multi-year project, archaeologists also uncovered elements of the building of special note.

They unearthed a stone conduit parallel to the western wall, which appeared to have functioned as a drainage system for rainwater from the roof.

A horseshoe-shaped stone column base was also found farther south.

Archaeologists did not say what purpose the building might have been used for.

The finds shed light onto the ancient city of Salamis, which has been extensively researched in the past few years, according to the release.

Previously, large portions of a 10- to 13-foot-thick sea wall, which included towers, were discovered. These were dated to the fourth century B.C.

The latest excavation was carried out with the assistance of multiple Greek agencies, including the Institute of Marine Archaeological Research and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the Greek Ministry of Culture.

This story was originally published August 9, 2024 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Submerged Greek ruins reveal trove of artifacts — including statue of a god, photos show."