Ancient shipwreck off Croatian island reveals rare Greek pottery and coins

15 October 2026 – An ancient shipwreck discovered in a bay near Komiža on the Croatian island of Vis has yielded rare Greek pottery, coins and remarkably preserved sections of the vessel, offering new insights into maritime trade in the Adriatic more than 2,000 years ago, the Croatian Conservation Institute said.

The wreck lies in Gnjilna Bay, where earlier surveys had recorded only a small number of fragments of Corinthian B-type amphorae. Further archaeological investigations have revealed a much more significant site, including parts of the wooden ship, its equipment, trading cargo and other artefacts.

The research is being led by Jurica Bezak of the Department of Underwater Archaeology within Croatia’s archaeological heritage service.

The discovery is particularly important because shipwrecks carrying Corinthian B-type amphorae are exceptionally rare in Croatian waters along the eastern Adriatic coast.

Similar wrecks have previously been identified only near the Krava reef at the entrance to Vis harbour and off the coast of the island of Žirje.

Shipwreck dates back to the Hellenistic period

Initial analysis of the amphora fragments and the lead stock of a Haldane II A-type anchor placed the wreck provisionally in the fourth or third century BC.

Between 2023 and 2025, further investigations uncovered substantial evidence of the vessel and its cargo, including a section of the wooden keel with adjoining planking measuring approximately six metres in length.

Archaeologists also recovered numerous ceramic vessels, coins from the ancient Greek settlement of Pharos, located on present-day Hvar, and animal bones.

The pottery is particularly significant. According to the archaeological findings, the site represents the first discovered shipwreck in the area containing Greek fine pottery.

Among the most notable objects are single-handled drinking cups known as skyphoi, vessels used for pouring liquids called askoi, aryballoi, bowls, salt cellars, plates and kantharoi, a type of drinking cup associated with wine.

Several vessels stand out for their condition, rarity and craftsmanship.

Amphorae reveal ancient trading connections

Corinthian B-type amphorae were produced from the sixth century BC until the second half of the third century BC in the region of Corinth and its colony of Korkyra, on the island of Corfu.

The vessels were used to transport wine and oil. Their shape changed over the centuries, with earlier examples characterised by a distinctly heart-shaped body that gradually developed into a more elongated, oval form.

The production and distribution of these amphorae are associated with the establishment of Corinthian colonies and wider commercial links across the Adriatic.

Evidence of their production has also been found on Hvar, where numerous fragments have been recovered at the site of ancient Pharos.

The finds from Gnjilna Bay therefore provide further evidence of the maritime and trading networks that connected Greek settlements and communities along the eastern Adriatic during antiquity.

Some of the most intriguing discoveries are incised inscriptions, or graffiti, preserved on several black-coated ceramic vessels.

The markings are believed to be abbreviated personal names. Because they were scratched into the vessels after manufacture, archaeologists suggest they may have served as personal ownership marks.

They could have belonged to a member of the ship’s crew of relatively high social standing, although this interpretation remains provisional.

Together, the objects provide a rare glimpse into everyday life aboard an ancient trading vessel, including the possessions and habits of its crew.

The cargo also adds to knowledge of maritime commerce during the period when Greek colonies were active on Vis and Hvar. The ancient settlement of Issa, on Vis, was known for its wine, while the recovered drinking vessels offer further evidence of the importance of wine consumption and trade in the region.

The discovery is also an example of cooperation between underwater archaeologists and diving centres on Vis.

Collaboration between specialists and local diving centres plays an important role in identifying, documenting and protecting underwater archaeological sites, while raising awareness of their historical significance.

The Adriatic seabed contains numerous ancient and more recent shipwrecks, attracting interest from both researchers and recreational divers from around the world.

The Gnjilna Bay wreck stands out for the combination of its preserved wooden structure, rare amphorae, fine Greek pottery and coins, making it a valuable source of evidence about ancient seafaring and trade along Croatia’s Adriatic coast.