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Ancient ‘Atlantis’ alloy recovered from 2,600yo shipwreck
#1
An alloy, which according to Greek legend was mined on the ancient mythical island of Atlantis, has been discovered on a shipwreck which sank off the coast of Sicily 2,600 years ago. Some 47 ingots of ‘orichalcum’ have so far been recovered from the ancient underwater find.

Described as brass-like and made through the reaction of zinc ore, charcoal and copper, the alloy has never before been discovered in such quantity. Uncovered back in 2015, the ingots’ composition was revealed only after analysis using X-ray fluorescence, reported Seeker.
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Two Corinthian helmets, believed to have been part of the ship’s defense against pirates, were also discovered at the shipwreck. "Another hypothesis is that they were meant to be an offer to the gods," according to Sebastiano Tusa, an archaeologist involved in the find and superintendent of the Sea at Palermo.
Orichalcum became legendary through the writings of Greek philosopher Plato, who wrote that the material was mined in Atlantis, where it covered Poseidon’s temple.

Along with the ingots 39, lumps of orichalcum were also recovered from the shipwreck, believed to have sunk en route from Greece to Gela in Sicily, a wealthy city, rich in artisan workshops.
READ MORE: Mini-Atlantis? Eerie underwater museum revealed off Canary Islands
"It was likely caught in a sudden storm and sank just when it was about to enter the port," Tusa said.
The seas around Sicily contain at least two other ancient shipwrecks, making it “a priceless mine of archaeological finds” according to Adriana Fresina, a member of Tusa’s team.

[url=https://www.rt.com/viral/379302-ancient-atlantis-alloy-shipwreck/]
#2
From Atlantis?!   tinyhuh 

Wow!  Someone just made the discovery of the century!   No telling what this find is worth!

Good for them.  But...  how do they know it came from Atlantis? minusculethinking 

( I might find my answer if I go read the article, right?)   tinylaughing

ETA: Went to read the article, but it's about an underwater museum being built to study marine life.  ?????
#3
Now That Would Be Really Awesome!  minusculebeercheers
Once A Rogue, Always A Rogue!
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#4
The whole article is kinda a click bate when they tie the find to Atlantis IMO. However I did not know Plato had written orichalcum supposedly covered the Poseidon statue in Atlantis... either way cool find.. A little something for everyone...


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