Researchers Discover Skeleton on Famous Antikythera Shipwreck

Posted on September 19, 2016

Researchers have discovered an ancient skeleton on the shipwreck that contained the famous Antikythera mechanism. The shipwreck dates back to 65 B.C. It is the first skeleton discovered from the wreck site since the advent of modern DNA studies. The excavation was led by archaeologists and technical experts from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

The image above shows skeleton remains on the shipwreck. The remains include a skull and long bones. Scientists believe the ancient bones could provide insight into the lives of people that lived 2100 years ago.

The Antikythera mechanism is an ancient device with modern like gears that researchers believe was used to predict astronomical positions. It has been described as an analogue computer and even as the world's first computer. It was likely a very unique device for its time period.

Brendan Foley, a marine archaeologist with WHOI, says in a statement, "Archaeologists study the human past through the objects our ancestors created. With the Antikythera Shipwreck, we can now connect directly with this person who sailed and died aboard the Antikythera ship."

The Antikythera Shipwreck was discovered and salvaged in 1900 by Greek sponge divers. It is the biggest ancient shipwreck ever found. Scientists think it may have been a massive ancient grain carrier.



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