Divers find 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck off Turkey

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:44 · Archive

Divers have discovered a 2,100-year-old shipwreck off Turkey containing thousands of luxury ceramic dishes linked to the Roman statesman Cicero.

Divers have discovered a 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck off the coast of Turkey containing thousands of luxury ceramic dishes. Turkish officials announced the recovery in September, with pictures showing divers working among piles of ancient pottery scattered across the sandy seabed about 138 to 180 feet below the surface.

The artefacts include 122 different forms and sizes of plates, bowls and trays, designed for nuts, soup and fish. Researchers believe the ship was travelling from Rhosus to Rome when it struck a shallow area during a storm and sank. The ceramics are believed to have originated in Rhosus, a production centre in what is now southern Turkey and northern Syria, which was mentioned in the writings of Cicero.

Cicero, one of ancient Rome's most celebrated orators and politicians, wrote in a letter to his friend Atticus in 50 B.C. that he had ordered ceramic vessels from Rhosus. Though there is no evidence the recovered dishes belonged to Cicero himself, the find is significant because it connects ancient artefacts with historical writings. Taco Terpstra, a professor of classics and history at Northwestern University, called the discovery 'quite rare', noting that coins found aboard help researchers date the wreck. Cicero's writings significantly influenced America's Founding Fathers, especially Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.

How it is being reported

• Divers discover ancient treasures in shipwreck linked to Roman leader who influenced American historyThe discovery is particularly significant because the ceramics are believed to have originated in Rhosus, a production center mentioned in the writings of CiceroNew York Post · 9 Oct, 16:03
• Divers uncover ancient treasures linked to Roman giant who helped shape American historyA classics professor weighed in on a 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck off Turkey that yielded luxury ceramics linked to Cicero, with ancient coins helping researchers date the find.Fox News · 9 Oct, 13:00

In this story: Cicero · Turkey · Rhosus · Northwestern University · Taco Terpstra · Thomas Jefferson · John Adams

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