Lost Worlds of the Mediterranean (Full Episode) | Drain the Oceans

Beneath the clear waters of the Mediterranean, secrets and relics of ancient civilizations lie hidden. Using underwater scanning technology, historians seek to unveil these mysteries, such as the collapse of Europe's first civilization, the secrets of Ancient Greece, and the power of Ancient Rome. A focal point is the Minoans, whose civilization faded after a cataclysmic event on Santorini around 1625 BC. Initial research into this vanished culture remains limited due to undecipherable language and mainly archaeological remains.

The island of Santorini is marked by spectacular cliffs formed by a colossal volcanic crater. Marine geologist Evi Nomikou uses sonar technology to explore underwater landscapes, revealing Santorini’s past volcanic activity. The eruption left a massive crater and covered the city of Akrotiri in ash. Buried under ash for millennia, remnants indicate that Minoans fled post-earthquake but were annihilated by the volcanic eruption that followed, marking a devastating chapter around 1625 BC.

The Mediterranean reveals evidence of the massive scale of Santorini’s eruption. Geological formations suggest huge pyroclastic flows traveled up to 20 miles, blocking sunlight and triggering tsunamis, affecting distant Crete, the Minoan hub. These events led to the erosion of Minoan power, accelerated by economic destabilization and failed harvests due to volcanic ash. Subsequently, other civilizations filled the void left by the Minoans.

A 2,500-year-old shipwreck off Cyprus provides insights into Ancient Greek trade. Archaeologists discover amphorae used for transporting wine from Chios. The discovery sheds light on Greek trade practices, highlighting wine's significance economically and culturally. Analysis of wreck reveals luxury trade across regions and the broader spread of Greek culture. Greeks communicated and cultivated exchange over vast distances around the Mediterranean, illustrating their diverse, interconnected world.

Examination of the shipwreck uncovers amphorae sealed with pitch, used for transporting wine. Identifying origins and content gives clues into Greek trade, suggesting Chian wine's high demand. Shipwreck analysis provides understanding of Ancient Greek economy, showcasing wine's central role. Cultural insights emerge about societal customs, revealing trading strategies crucial for wealth accumulation, cultural dissemination, and lasting impacts on Western civilization.

Rome’s rise to a superpower is showcased by its naval encounters with Carthage. The discovery of ancient naval rams near the Egadi Islands sheds light on Roman and Carthaginian strategies during the legendary Battle of the Egadi Islands, challenged by Polybius' historical narratives. Engaged in a lengthy struggle, Rome learned naval warfare, marking a decisive point in asserting dominance over the Mediterranean, ultimately laying foundation for centuries of influence.

Further discoveries of ancient war artifacts reaffirm the site of the Egadi Islands battle between Rome and Carthage. Findings, such as battle-damaged rams and Carthaginian amphorae, align with historical accounts, confirming this location's significance. The Roman tactical superiority during ambushes highlights their adaptation to naval warfare, accelerating their transition from a regional to a superpower, and solidifying their historical legacy over centuries.

In Baiae, once a hub of Roman decadence, underwater exploration uncovers the city’s lavish villas and public buildings, reflecting societal grandeur. Known for indulgence, Baiae’s decline is linked to volcanic activity. The region's instability is portrayed by uplift and subsidence caused by large magma chambers, which impacted the Roman cityscape over centuries. Understanding these geological dynamics reveals the interplay between nature and historical urban narratives.