A Roman shipwreck dating back to the time of Jesus Christ has been found in a huge archaeological breakthrough.
It was discovered off the coast of a Greek island – and it had some unexpected cargo on board.
The boat was being held down with jugs used to store wine and food, it has been claimed.
The well-preserved containers, known as amphorae, were probably carrying olive oil and grains as well.
The jars have been analysed by experts who determined when they were used by the Greeks and the Romans.
The vessel is understood to measure 34m in length and 13m in width.
Researchers believe the ship to have been in operation between the first century BC and the first century AD.
Dr George Ferentinos of the University of Patras is excited by the find.
The wreck was found using sonar imaging to search the seabed around the island of Cephalonia, according to the Journal of Archaeological Science.
It has not yet been decided if the shipwreck is to be raised from the bottom of the ocean.
He hopes it can be removed from the Mediterranean in the near future so they can find out even more about its origin.
Dr Ferentinos said: “Its half-buried in the sediment, so we have high expectations that if we go to an excavation in the future we will find part or the whole wooden hull.”
