BLACK SEA SHIPWRECK FROM 400 B.C. FOUND INTACT

Lost ancient treasures of gold, oil, wine and metalwork may be hidden in the world’s oldest complete shipwreck, which was discovered in the Black Sea by marine archaeologists.

An international team of researchers found the intact skeleton of the Greek trading vessel, carbon dated to 400 B.C., which still has an upright mast and rowing benches. Although earlier wrecks have been found, the ship has remained completely intact after being buried in the silty, oxygen-free sediment of the seabed for more than 2,400 years.

Archaeologists believe the goods may still be trapped in the hold and are hoping to raise funding to hunt for sunken treasure. The ship was a trading vessel, so could contain gold, wine, oil or priceless metalwork.