Greece’s Ancient Tenea Discovery Among 15 Biggest Archaeological Finds of 2018

The eastern side of the excavated Tenea site with residential remnants. Photo Source: Greek Culture Ministry

The discovery of the long-lost city of Ancient Tenea in Greece has been included among the 15 Biggest Art Historical Discoveries of 2018 compiled by online art magazine Artsy.

Archaeologists carrying out excavation works at the site of Ancient Tenea last year uncovered seven new graves, four of which date back to Roman times, as well as rings, golden coins and skeletal remains.

Photo Source: Greek Culture Ministry

The finds suggested the existence of a city – that of Tenea – which was once considered to be a legend. Researchers also found three Hellenistic Era tombs with skeletal remains belonging to two adult males, five adult females and two children. The graves were decorated with vases, gold and bronze jewelry, and 200 coins.

Excavations to the site began in 2013 in the village of Chiliomodi.

Another top archaeological discovery during 2018, according to Artsy, was the discovery of the world’s oldest intact shipwreck at the bottom of the Black Sea.

Photo © Rodrigo Pacheco-Ruiz

Discovered by the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project, the vessel, which had laid undisturbed for over 2,400 years, is believed to be Greek.

“The ancient Greek trading vessel has only ever been seen in paintings on ancient Greek pottery, like the British Museum’s ‘Siren Vase’,” Artsy noted.

Artsy’s other top historical finds in 2018, include discoveries in Pompeii, Egypt and the Maya necropolis in Guatemala.