Scuba Diver Discovers Ancient Gold Coins Offshore of Cyprus

Scuba Diver Discovers Ancient Gold Coins Offshore of CyprusScuba Diver Discovers Ancient Gold Coins Offshore of Cyprus In the azure waters off the coast of Cyprus, an extraordinary discovery has been made. During a routine dive, scuba diver Andreas Kyriacou stumbled upon a trove of ancient gold coins, believed to date back to the era of Alexander the Great. Kyriacou, a seasoned diver with over 20 years of experience, was exploring a shallow reef off the coast of the Akrotiri Peninsula when he spotted something unusual. Amidst the vibrant corals and fish, he noticed a glint of gold protruding from the seabed. Cautiously, he reached down and retrieved what turned out to be a single gold coin. Its intricate design depicted a portrait of Alexander the Great, complete with his signature helmet adorned with ram’s horns. Stunned by his find, Kyriacou continued searching the area and soon discovered more coins scattered across the seabed. In total, Kyriacou recovered 14 gold coins, each weighing approximately 8 grams. The coins featured a variety of designs, including Alexander’s portrait, the head of the Greek goddess Athena, and a depiction of Zeus seated on a throne. Experts from the Cyprus Antiquities Department have examined the coins and confirmed their authenticity. They believe the coins were part of a larger hoard that was lost at sea centuries ago. The coins may have been part of a merchant ship’s treasure or belonged to a wealthy passenger who drowned along with the vessel. The discovery has sparked excitement among historians and archaeologists. The coins provide valuable insights into the monetary system and trade practices during Alexander the Great’s time. They also offer a glimpse into the cultural connections between Cyprus and the ancient world. The Cyprus Antiquities Department is currently investigating the site of the find and hopes to recover additional coins or artifacts. The discovery is a testament to the rich maritime history of Cyprus and the enduring fascination with Alexander the Great’s legacy.