Polish Archaeological Mission Uncovers Century Spanning Ship Graveyard and Roman Maritime Artifacts Off Historic Libyan Coast

Polish archaeologists find 100 meter ship graveyard near Ptolemais. Discover Roman bronze weights, ancient wine traces, and hidden roads in Libya's latest dig.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 5:40 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Arkeonews

A Submerged Corridor of Ancient Maritime Disasters

Archaeologists from the University of Warsaw have identified a significant underwater site described as a ship graveyard off the coast of Ptolemais in northeastern Libya. Stretching more than 100 meters along the seabed, the area contains a dense concentration of ship fragments, anchors, and cargo remains. According to Dr. Piotr Jaworski, the project leader, the linear distribution of these artifacts confirms that the site is not the result of a single maritime accident but rather a location where multiple vessels foundered over several centuries. This specific zone appears to have been a perennial hazard for merchant ships attempting to navigate toward the once bustling port from the east.

Rising Tides and the Legacy of Seismic Shifts

The underwater survey, directed by Professor Bartosz Kontny, suggests that environmental changes significantly altered the coastline of the ancient Greek and Roman hub. Researchers believe that a combination of rising Mediterranean sea levels and historical earthquake activity eventually pushed critical port infrastructure and coastal roads beneath the waves. The team’s exploration revealed submerged columns and ancient seafloor testing tools, providing evidence of how the city’s maritime interface was reclaimed by the sea. These findings offer a rare opportunity to study the physical transformation of a major North African trade center from its Ptolemaic founding through to its later Roman administration.

Recovery of Rare Bronze Weights and Trade Goods

Among the most significant artifacts recovered from the seabed is a Roman balance scale weight, known as an aequipondium, cast in bronze. The object is artistically rendered in the shape of a female head and was found lead filled to serve its functional purpose in ancient commerce. In addition to high value items, the site is littered with amphorae, the primary shipping containers of the ancient world used for transporting agricultural staples. According to the research team, one recovered vessel is currently undergoing laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of crystallized wine, a find that could provide direct data on the specific commodities traded in the region nearly two millennia ago.