β Ancient Byzantine ship sinks off Croatia with massive gold haul
A Byzantine shipwreck submerged in the Adriatic Sea has yielded more gold than any other find in the region. This significant wreck was located off the coast of Mljet, a Croatian island, in the seventh or eighth century C.E. Over 40 gold objects, including an imperial signet ring, were recovered, totaling more than 21 ounces of gold. The cargo suggests intense trade and the travel of a high-ranking imperial passenger during a period of low Byzantine fortunes. Researchers plan to continue analyzing artifacts, with a public exhibition and documentary expected by year-end. π’