Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery while exploring the underwater remains of a sunken city off the coast of Greece. A partially submerged building and a collection of marble treasures dating back to the 4th century B.C. were found on the island of Salamis, near Athens, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture.

The stunning findings were unveiled as part of an extensive underwater excavation project in Salamis. The research, conducted in 2022, focused on Ampelaki Bay, a cove along the eastern shore that played a significant role in the historical Battle of Salamis.

The Battle of Salamis took place during the Greco-Persian Wars, a series of conflicts between ancient Greek city-states and the Persian Empire that occurred from 499 B.C. to 449 B.C. This battle, which marked a crucial victory for the Greeks in 480 B.C., is known for its historical importance. Salamis has also captured the interest of historians due to its mention in Homer's "Iliad" and accounts by the Greek geographer Pausanias.

During the excavation, archaeologists first discovered a seawall believed to be part of an ancient fortification surrounding the city of Salamis. Additionally, they uncovered a public building known as a stoa. Stoas were freestanding covered walkways with columns that existed primarily around marketplaces and served as places of business or public promenades.

The stoa found in Salamis measures approximately 20 feet wide and 105 feet long. It contains the remains of six or seven rooms, although archaeologists have not yet fully explored the internal spaces. One of the rooms, measuring slightly over 15 square feet, revealed a large storage area holding numerous ancient artifacts.

Inside the storage area, archaeologists discovered almost two dozen bronze coins, marble fragments, vases, and ceramic pieces, all believed to date back to the Classical-Hellenistic period. While some artifacts appeared to originate from different periods, the culture ministry suggested that relics from the Early Byzantine and Late Middle Ages might have ended up in the area due to drifting.

Among the marble artifacts, two items stood out as particularly significant. One is a fragment of a column with a partial inscription consisting of two to three verses. The other is an ornate fragment depicting a large man, possibly a hero, placing a crown on a bearded man.

The Greek culture ministry expressed the significance of this discovery, stating that the identification of the stoa provides valuable insight into the topography and residential organization of the ancient city. The stoa, open to the west, likely marked the eastern boundary of the Agora area - an open space often used as a meeting ground in ancient Greek cities - rather than the port.

As archaeologists continue their exploration of the submerged city in Salamis, these newfound treasures offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Greece, further enhancing our understanding of the ancient world.