During the Second World War when bombing raids were regularly conducted, the main challenge had always been to outwit or outrun defending fighter aircraft. This prompted the Germans to invent the Dornier Do 17 “fast bomber” in the mid-1930s.
It was faster and also easier to maneuver. Because of its “shoulder wing” design, the aircraft was difficult to hit, and it was capable of running reconnaissance missions as well. This photograph shows a wreck of the aircraft hauled out from the Goodwin Sands in 2013 after it was discovered in 2008. It was reportedly shot down by enemy fire on August 28, 1940.
The Shipwreck of Uluburun
Sponge diver Mehmet Çakir had seen a shipwreck close to the east shore of Uluburun and went on to report his discovery. He accounted his experiences in the summer of 1982 with officials of Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, who made him draw a sketch of the ship.
They were able to recognize the diver’s drawing of “metal biscuits with ears,” as oxhide ingots, and they started a formal expedition themselves that lasted for more than 22,000 dives. The result was the discovery of a Bronze Age shipwreck, and many metal slabs made of copper were also discovered 50 meters from the Uluburun shore.
The Cenote Angelita 'Underwater River'
Cenotes are more commonly known as sinkholes, and they are a result of a collapse of limestone bedrock that in turn exposes the water underground. These are common in islands and low-latitude areas such as coastlines. The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is popular for its “Ring of Cenotes,” in which Cenote Angelita is a part.
Diving inside the cenote called “Little Angel” means plunging into a cavern where the ancient Maya may have held sacrifices to their gods. The enclosed water is eerily calm and clear, cloaked with mystery. A bit farther down, at approximately a hundred feet, you will see an illusory floor that is actually a border between saline and freshwater.
The Antikythera Mechanism
This mechanism was found inside a box at a wreck off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera. After its discovery in 1902, scientists declared, after careful examination and restoration, that it had a gear inside it.
They say this mechanism, invented by early Greek scientists, can predict eclipses, and astronomical positions for decades in advance. This “analog computer” is said to date back to about 87 BC. It was discovered along with other artifacts such as statues, pottery, and jewelry, and it wasn’t noticed within two years of their possession.
Antiquities from Makronisos
Because of its rich history and being one of the bedrocks of civilization, Greece has had a thriving world of archeology over the years. Because of the devastating economic crisis of recent times, Greece has been collaborating with archeological organizations from other countries to (literally) dive into their underwater treasure troves to explore their history in more detail, preserve precious artifacts, and use them as opportunities for more tourism.
Here, we can see a trove of antiquities that were discovered not too far from the island of Makronisos. This is just one of many of its kind and researchers are still finding more like it until this very day.