(Photo: Croatian Conservation Institute)
ZAGREB, 24 July (Hina) – The results of the “Tatinica – Byzantine Shipwreck” project, centred on the remains of a vessel dating from the late seventh or early eighth century and regarded as one of the Mediterranean’s most significant archaeological finds from the period, were presented in Polače on the island of Mljet.
Systematic underwater excavations have been under way since 2015.
Researchers said the exceptional artefacts recovered, unprecedented in an underwater archaeological context, point to the presence of a senior imperial official on board, it was said at the press conference with experts from the Croatian Conservation Institute’s Department of Underwater Archaeology and an international research team.
Project leader Igor Miholjek outlined the discoveries, including more than 40 gold objects weighing around 600 grams, among them four ornate gold belt sets, a gold buckle decorated with emeralds, rubies and pearls, and a gold signet ring bearing the image of an emperor.
(Photo: Croatian Conservation Institute)
This is an extraordinary collection of gold artefacts and an invaluable cultural treasure unlike anything previously recorded at an underwater archaeological site in the Mediterranean, he said.
Gold coins issued by four emperors of the Heraclian dynasty enabled researchers to date the wreck to the late seventh or early eighth century. Other finds, including amphorae, pottery, scales, weights, ivory gaming pieces and dice, illustrate the extensive trade networks of the Byzantine Empire.
(Photo: Croatian Conservation Institute)
Miholjek said the cargo suggested the ship was carrying not an ordinary commercial load but a high-ranking dignitary, possibly escorting diplomatic gifts during a turbulent period of Byzantine history.
He announced plans for a major exhibition, accompanied by a catalogue and publication, as well as a documentary on the work of the Department of Underwater Archaeology and Mljet’s rich cultural heritage.
The film, produced by Paula and Đelo Jusić of Adriaton, is expected to premiere later this year.
Pavle Dugonjić, the head of the Department for Underwater Archaeology at the Croatian Conservation Institute, said nearly two decades of research had identified more than 20 archaeologically significant shipwrecks.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation between Croatian and international experts, as well as support from the Interior Ministry’s Intervention Police Command and the RC Aquatica Mljet diving centre.
(Photo: Croatian Conservation Institute)
He also underscored the use of advanced documentation techniques, including 3D scanning and photogrammetry.
Anton Divić of NavArchos presented work on the vessel’s surviving wooden structure, which is expected to provide valuable insight into early medieval shipbuilding, while RC Aquatica Mljet owner Mario Orlandini stressed the importance of local logistical support throughout the long-term project.
Also attending the press conference was Stanford University Professor Justin Leidwanger, whose team is analysing the ship’s commercial cargo of amphorae and pottery. Participants expressed confidence that further excavations would uncover additional sites of major interest to both archaeologists and the wider public.
(Photo: Croatian Conservation Institute)
The discoveries have already attracted significant international attention and were featured in the April edition of National Geographic in the article headlined “Can this medieval shipwreck rewrite ancient history?”.
“In 2014 archaeologists found the remains of a ship near Mljet. During a 10-year excavation, they uncovered a trove of golden artifacts that is leading historians to reexamine the so-called Dark Ages,” reads the article.
