Byzantine shipwreck off Croatia yields unprecedented gold trove linked to emperor
Archaeologists have recovered over 600 grams of gold from a 7th-8th-century Byzantine wreck near Mljet, including a signet ring possibly belonging to Emperor Heraclius.
A Byzantine merchant ship that sank in the Adriatic Sea during the 7th or 8th century has yielded the richest gold find ever recorded in the Mediterranean, according to archaeologists. The wreck off Mljet, Croatia, produced more than 600 grams of gold, including a signet ring that may depict Emperor Heraclius and four lavish gold belt sets adorned with emeralds, rubies and pearls. Over 40 gold objects and coins from four Heraclian emperors were recovered, alongside amphorae, ceramic vessels, scales, ivory tokens and dice, indicating extensive trade activity.
Experts from Stanford University and the Croatian Conservation Institute argue the find disproves the notion of a stagnant early medieval Adriatic. The team plans further excavation and will present the discoveries in an upcoming exhibition, catalogue and documentary filmed by the Adriaton production company.
Why it matters
The treasure reshapes understanding of Byzantine trade and elite mobility in early medieval Europe.
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