Ancient Glassware Recovered from the Depths off Bulgaria’s Coast

In June 2024, an extensive underwater archaeological survey was carried out in Chengene Skele Bay, near the city of Burgas, Bulgaria. The expedition explored five distinct areas within the bay, revealing a wealth of artifacts and historical insights.

Unearthing the Glass Vessel Cache

One of the most intriguing discoveries was in an area previously known for its fragments of glass objects. Situated at a depth of 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet), this 15-decare (3.7-acre) stony-bottomed zone yielded dozens of new whole and fragmented glass vessels, reports the Burgas Regional Historical Museum.

Funded by the Municipality of Burgas and organized by the Regional Historical Museum – Burgas, this significant exploration aimed to uncover the submerged historical treasures of the bay.

Building on finds from 2020 and 2021, the team Led by Prof. Dr. Ivan Hristov from the National History Museum, unearthed 112 new glass items, adding to the already significant collection of 310 vessels. These artifacts are believed to date back to the Late Ottoman period, potentially originating from a workshop on the island of Murano, Venice, in the late 16th or early 17th century.

 

Two intact glass vessels retrieved at the site. (RHM Burgas)

The hypothesis that these glass items were part of a ship’s cargo lost during a storm is supported by the discovery of iron anchor chain fragments and highly fragmented ceramic vessels from the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance. This area’s rich collection offers invaluable insights into glass consumption, trade, and production in the Balkans during this period.

Hellenistic Pottery and Roman Artifacts

The second zone, identified by a ceramic assemblage found west of the glass vessel area, revealed a treasure trove of Hellenistic period pottery fragments. Located in shallower waters ranging from 1.5 to 5 meters (4.9 to 16.4 feet) deep, this 100-square-meter (1076-square-foot) area also contained a small lead rod from the Roman era and a stone fishing weight. These finds suggest a rich and diverse historical use of the bay, highlighting its significance as a center of activity over many centuries.

 

The large number of broken glass vessels found indicates they were part of a cargo shipment. (RHM Burgas)

Cape Chiroza’s Sandy Secrets

The area being surveyed is east of Cape Chiroza, an area covering approximately 400 square meters (4306 square feet) and has been of special interest since 2020, when a substantial fortified Hellenistic center was found on the headland overlooking the bay, with a large underwater site located in the nearby waters.

Despite low visibility and a large deposit of sand, the team found fragments of Hellenistic building pottery and stone war cores. Unlike previous surveys, this area was otherwise devoid of significant artifacts.

The Historic Chengene Pier

The southeastern end of the bay, near the historic Chengene Pier, offered a glimpse into its past as a bustling harbor. This site, often mentioned in European diplomatic records from the 18th and 19th centuries, revealed a concentration of late antique and medieval amphora fragments. Among these were parts of Gunsenin type III amphorae, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. These ceramic finds underscore the long-standing tradition of loading and unloading goods in this part of the bay, pointing to its historical economic importance.

The Monastery Port’s Maritime Legacy

The fifth zone, known as the monastery port near St. Anastasia Island, added another layer to the historical narrative. References to this port date back to the writings of Burgas revivalist Stoyan Shivachev in 1884. Underwater inspections in this area uncovered fragments of ceramic vessels from the 18th-19th centuries, late antique amphorae parts, and an iron horn from an anchor. These findings align with historical accounts, suggesting a once-thriving monastery with significant maritime activities.

Conclusion: A Bay of Untold Stories

The 2024 underwater surveys in Chengene Skele Bay have significantly enriched our understanding of the region’s historical and archaeological heritage. The discovery of glass vessels, Hellenistic pottery, and various other artifacts not only highlights the bay’s long-standing maritime importance but also opens new avenues for research into the trade and production practices of past civilizations. These finds will soon be conserved and displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Burgas, offering the public a chance to connect with the rich history hidden beneath the waves.

Top image: A marine archaeologist holds up intact glass vessels.          Source: Regional Historic Museum Burgas

By Gary Manners