Ancient artifacts including 40 urns and vases have been discovered off the east coast of Greece, the Greek culture and tourism ministry said on Thursday.

Divers uncovered the artifacts in the wreckage of a ship some 25 to 40 metres below the surface that was bombed by the Germans in the Second World War, the ministry said in a statement.

The finds were made close to Samos Island in the Aegean Sea, the statement said.

"Most of the urns were in good condition and are dated from the 3rd century," said Aggeliki Simosi, head of the Greek Ephorate of Marine Archeology.

AFP

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