By Nicolas Bard

The ancient wreck of Peristera was a large merchant ship sank in the distant 425 BC. carrying thousands of wine amphorae. Today it is about 25 meters deep between the island of Alonissos and the small island of Peristera, from where it was named. Specifically, it is located in the second zone of the Alonissos National Marine Park, and as early as August 2020 it has been operating as the first
Underwater Museum of our country! But, what do we really know about that ship and its history?

The time of the wreck

The wreck of Peristera was accidentally discovered in 1985 by a fisherman in the area, and the nine archaeologists began coordinated underwater excavations in the 1990s. The merchant ship was loaded with wine amphorae from ancient Mendi, located in today’s Halkidiki That is, Skopelos. Athens was a possible destination for Athens, and its last trip took place during the 5th century BC, the period of the classical era.

This is the period when Athenian theaters were playing Sophocles’ tragedies, and the philosopher Socrates raised questions about political and natural order, walking the streets of ancient Athens. Perhaps the wine contained in the Amphoranders of the cargo were intended for consumption of one of the many symposiums organized by a prominent Athenian of that “golden” era. Nowadays, the wooden frame of the hull has been decomposed, but the amphorae remain almost intact and are scattered at the bottom, forming the ship’s outline.

What is the importance of the wreck?

In addition to the unmatched beauty of the underwater space, the shipwreck radically changed everything we knew about the ancient world shipbuilding techniques. Single archaeologists have brought to light a very important discovery about the technology used to build the ship. Prior to the discovery of this wreck, ships of similar size and volume were considered to be possible to be built only during the Roman
Era, that is, three centuries after the particular wreck of Peristera. So the size of this shipwreck proves that Greek shipbuilding art and technology was ahead of its time! So it is considered to be one of the most important wrecks ever found in the Mediterranean, as we can reveal aspects of the story of that period, which would otherwise be unknown to us…

Why did the ship sank?

According to previous data, the ship sank in 425 BC. But the reason he caused his sinking still is still concerned about the researchers today. Some indications reveal a possible fire on the ship, although the possibility of a sea accident, or even a pirate attack, has not been ruled out! The ship, when he sank, took with him all the secrets he “hid” in his holds, and centuries later raises questions and causes awe to those who see it. The rays of the glittering Greek sun penetrate the deep blue of the Aegean, and illuminate this historical value underwater monument, which is unique in its kind.