British teen finds underwater ruins off Montenegro coast
30.10.2009
A British teenage tourist has discovered what is believed to be an ancient temple in the Adriatic waters near the Montenegrin town of Bar.
Sixteen-year old Michael Le Quesne was snorkelling off the beach in Bar with his sibling when he spotted an odd looking “stone” at a depth of around two metres. On a closer inspection, the “stone” turned out to be a large, submerged building.
The experts are thinking that “stone” may have been an important building within a historic Greek or Roman trading post which has submerged with surrounding area after a high-magnitude earthquake.
Michael reported a find to his father, Charles Le Quesne, a professional archaeologist who followed his son to the spot. Through some digging, Le Quesne uncovered columns which seem to indicate this may have been an ancient temple or major public building.
Much curiosity and excitement has arisen around the finding, and experts believe that if theories are proved to be correct, this would put Montenegro on the archaeological map. Recent discoveries in Montenegro include the remains of two cargo ships from the Roman era, discovered by American experts working with a local team.
A British team of experts led by Dr Lucy Blue, presenter of BBC Two show Oceans, is to investigate the site early in 2010.
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