site.btaAncient Ceramic Vessels Recovered from Deep Waters Near Balchik

Six well-preserved ceramic vessels dating from the Roman era to the Middle Ages were handed over to Bulgaria's National History Museum on October 16. They were recovered by the General Directorate for Combating Organized Crime with the assistance of museum specialists, the Culture Ministry said on Friday.

The finds include one Late Antique jug and five amphorae dating from the Roman period, the 5th–6th centuries, and the 10th–12th centuries. They were likely recovered by fishing trawlers from shipwrecks in deep waters off the coast of ancient Dionysopolis, near present-day Balchik. All six vessels will be displayed at the National History Museum, the Culture Ministry said.

Experts describe the vessels as rare since they are remarkably well preserved, the Culture Ministry noted, adding that the discovery highlights the need for more deep-sea archaeological research and greater protection of Bulgaria's underwater cultural heritage. Studies cited by the ministry suggest that while only 5% of shipwreck artefacts are damaged during sinking, more than 60% of damage is caused by trawling.