VIDEO: Ancient treasures recovered off Croatian island of Vis

Tea Katunarić recovering ancient treasures off Vis (Photo credit: Mariusz Milka)

In late September 2023, Mariusz Milka, a specialist in Digital Underwater Heritage Conservation, alongside Tea Katunarić, an Underwater Archaeologist from the University of Split, and a team embarked on an important expedition. 

Their mission: to recover ancient treasures nestled beneath the waters near the tiny island of Host adjacent to the Croatian island of Vis.

The dive unveiled a trove of historical artefacts. The discovery of these artefacts, chronicled in a 30-second video captured by Mariusz, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of Croatia’s underwater heritage. 

While some findings, like ancient pottery and wooden remnants, are common in maritime archaeology, each discovery enriches our understanding of ancient maritime trade routes and seafaring civilisations.

Alongside ancient amphorae and port structures, Croatia’s seabed harbours unexpected surprises, including remnants of ancient roads submerged beneath the currents. Such discoveries not only captivate the imagination but also offer invaluable insights into the daily lives and customs of our ancestors.

Mariusz’s exploration beneath the waters surrounding Vis has yielded a series of remarkable discoveries over recent years. From the unearthing of a small clay vial amidst broken amphorae to the recovery of an ancient Greek jug near the islet of Krava, each find adds a new chapter to Croatia’s maritime history. 

You can read more about the discoveries here. 

Check out the video below.