Byzantine-Era Shipwreck Yields Gold Artifacts Off Croatian Coast
Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a Byzantine-era shipwreck off the southern coast of Croatia, believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century. The ship, found near the Adriatic island of Mljet, contained a significant amount of gold artifacts, including coins from the Heraclius dynasty, jeweled buckles, and a golden signet ring depicting an emperor. These findings suggest the ship was not a typical merchant vessel but likely carried a high-ranking individual and their entourage. The excavation, led by the Croatian Conservation Institute, has been ongoing for over a decade, revealing the ship's historical significance in understanding the Byzantine Empire's maritime routes and its eventual decline. 
