In June 2024, an extensive underwater archaeological survey in Chengene Skele Bay, near Burgas, Bulgaria, uncovered 112 glass objects, adding to the substantial collection of 310 glass vessels discovered in previous years. This discovery was led by Professor Ivan Hristov from the National History Museum.
A marine archaeologist holds up some of the glass vessels found off the coast of Bulgaria. Credit: Regional Historical Museum Burgas
The glass objects are believed to date back to the late 16th or early 17th century. “Until now, the hypothesis has been proposed that the vessels were most likely produced in a workshop on the island of Murano, Venice, in the second half of the 16th century or the beginning of the 17th century. Here the question of the exact dating of the glass objects and the possible shipwreck remains to be determined,” stated the Regional Historical Museum Burgas (RHM Burgas).
The glass vessels are likely part of a cargo spill from a ship that encountered rough seas, evidenced by the discovery of several iron anchor chains and highly fragmented ceramic vessels in the vicinity. Despite this, the exact location of the shipwreck remains undiscovered. The ongoing research aims to shed light on the poorly researched topic of glass consumption, trade, and production in the Balkans during the Late Ottoman period. As RHM Burgas noted on Facebook, “The probability that the wreckage of the ship carrying glassware is near the place where the glass fragments were discovered is very high.”
Two intact glass vessels recovered at the site. Credit: Regional Historical Museum Burgas
The archaeological team also explored other significant areas within the bay, revealing a variety of artifacts from different historical periods. One area, located at a depth of 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet), yielded dozens of whole and fragmented glass vessels, reinforcing the hypothesis of a shipwreck. Another zone, west of the glass vessel area, contained Hellenistic pottery fragments, a small lead rod from the Roman era, and a stone fishing weight.
The large number of glass vessels discovered indicates they were part of a cargo shipment. Credit: Regional Historical Museum Burgas
The southeastern end of the bay, near the historic Chengene Pier, was another area of interest. This site, mentioned in European diplomatic records from the 18th and 19th centuries, revealed a concentration of late antique and medieval amphora fragments, including parts of Gunsenin type III amphorae from the 12th-13th centuries.
Additionally, the area known as the monastery port near St. Anastasia Island added another layer to the historical narrative. Underwater inspections here uncovered fragments of ceramic vessels from the 18th-19th centuries, late antique amphorae parts, and an iron horn from an anchor, aligning with historical accounts of significant maritime activities.
The newly discovered glass items will be exhibited at the Archaeological Museum in Burgas. Credit: Regional Historical Museum Burgas
The discoveries from these areas are significant for understanding the trade dynamics and production techniques of glassware in the Balkans during the Late Ottoman period. Following the conservation work, the newly discovered glass items will be exhibited at the Archaeological Museum in Burgas.
Regional Historical Museum Burgas