Watch Expedition: Black Sea Wrecks

Expedition: Black Sea Wrecks from CuriosityStream is a fascinating documentary series that takes viewers on an adventure to explore the depths of the Black Sea, uncovering the mysteries and secrets of ancient shipwrecks that lay hidden on the sea floor for centuries.

The series follows a team of researchers, scientists, and divers led by Dr. Robert Ballard, a renowned oceanographer and explorer who discovered the wreckage of the Titanic. The team sets out to explore the Black Sea, a body of water that has been largely untouched and unexplored due to the lack of oxygen in its lower depths, which has prevented the natural decay of wrecks that would have occurred in other seas.

The series is divided into six episodes, each of which focuses on a specific wrecks from different time periods, ranging from ancient Greek ships to medieval trading vessels, and even a Soviet-era warship. Through the use of advanced underwater technology such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and submersibles, the team is able to document these wrecks in incredible detail, revealing the preservation of artifacts and even human remains that have been remarkably well-preserved due to the unique conditions of the Black Sea.

The series starts with the wreck of a Greek ship from the 5th century BC, which the team believes may have been carrying wealthy passengers and valuable cargo. The ship's cargo of amphorae (ancient clay jars used for holding wine) is still intact, giving researchers a glimpse into the economic and social life of ancient Greece.

The next episode focuses on a medieval merchant vessel, which is believed to have been carrying spices, textiles, and other luxury goods from the Middle East when it sunk. The team is able to bring to the surface rich fabrics and intricately decorated pottery that provide insights into the trade routes and economic ties between East and West in the Middle Ages.

In the third episode, the team explores the wreckage of a 17th century Ottoman ship, which is believed to have been part of a large Turkish naval fleet during the Battle of the Chesme, a pivotal conflict in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Through the use of ROVs and 3D mapping technology, the team is able to visualize the damage inflicted by the Russian navy during the battle and gain insight into the naval tactics used in this historic conflict.

The fourth episode of the series takes us to the wreckage of a 19th century merchant ship carrying coal from the British Isles to Istanbul. The team's exploration reveals the ship's impressive engineering and construction, including a retractable funnel that allowed the ship to pass through low bridges in the canals of Istanbul.

The fifth episode focuses on a German U-boat from World War II, which was sunk by Soviet forces in the Black Sea in 1944. The team is able to bring to the surface a variety of artifacts from the wreck, including ammunition crates, personal effects, and even a well-preserved enigma code machine, giving viewers a unique glimpse into the operations and technology of the German navy during the war.

Finally, the series concludes with a look at the wreckage of a Soviet-era warship, believed to have been sunk during military exercises in the 1950s. Through the exploration of this recent wreck, the team is able to explore the progression of naval technology and tactics over time, as well as the legacy of the Cold War conflict in the Black Sea region.

Expedition: Black Sea Wrecks is a fascinating and informative series that offers a unique glimpse into the history and archaeology of the Black Sea region. With the help of cutting-edge technology and the expertise of a world-class team of researchers and explorers, viewers can experience the thrill of discovery and the excitement of unearthing lost treasures from centuries past.