The cargo of a sunken ship was found off the coast of Italy (4 photos)

Unique ancient finds have been made off the coast of Italy. Scientists have found Stone Age ship cargo and volcanic glass that fell to the seabed during a shipwreck between 8,000 and 5,000 years ago.





The cargo of a sunken Stone Age ship was discovered on the island of Capri in the Bay of Naples. The Naples Police Department and marine archaeologists joined forces to recover objects from the seabed and study them. One of the most significant artifacts found was a large piece of obsidian, a volcanic glass formed when lava cools quickly. It weighs 8 kg and measures 28 x 20 x 15 centimeters. The stone's surface showed signs of chiseling and carving, meaning someone may have tried to change its shape.



Obsidian was found at a depth of 30-40 meters. According to the most likely version, the stone fell to the seabed during a shipwreck between 8,000 and 5,000 years ago. Scientists hope to find the remains of the Neolithic ship itself, and continue to explore the area.

"It is necessary to carry out an extensive survey of the seabed to check the possible presence of a destroyed hull or other cargo. The remains of the ship itself have not yet been found. The mollusks Teredo navalis live in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, feeding on wood - because of them, wooden ships of all eras have already been destroyed," - said researcher Mariano Nuzzo.





The obsidian found is also known as "dragon glass". It is one of the sharpest materials on Earth, and in the past was often used to make sharp-edged tools such as knives, axes and arrowheads. During the Neolithic era it was widely traded throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. Although obsidian has often been found in Italy, especially on the volcanic islands and near Vesuvius, this find still impressed the team. Now they plan to continue exploring the seabed in search of new artifacts.