Ancient Glass Objects Found Underwater in Bulgaria

In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers diving in Chengene Skele Bay, Bulgaria, uncovered over 100 ancient glass objects, as reported by the Burgas Regional History Museum. The discovery, made in June 2024 by a team from the National History Museum led by Professor Ivan Histrov, adds to a previous collection of 310 glass vessels found in the same bay during 2020 and 2021. The artifacts were located at a depth of 2 to 2.5 meters and are believed to date back to the late 16th or early 17th century. The glass objects are thought to originate from the Venetian island of Murano, renowned for its high-quality glass production. According to the museum's statement, the hypothesis suggests that these vessels were likely crafted in a Murano workshop during the latter half of the 16th century or the early 17th century. However, further research is needed to determine the precise dating and the circumstances surrounding their arrival in the bay, including the possibility of a shipwreck. It is theorized that the glass artifacts may have been aboard a vessel that succumbed to a storm, leading to their dispersal in the water. The museum anticipates that the wreckage of the ship could be located near the site of the glass finds. While many pieces were discovered in fragments, some remain intact, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the era. This underwater discovery is significant for understanding the consumption, trade, and production of glass in the Balkans during the Late Ottoman Period. The newly found artifacts will be displayed at the Burgas Regional Historical Museum, contributing valuable insights into the region's historical narrative.