Greece’s cleanup operation of Lake Pamvotida in Ioannina has uncovered numerous historical and modern artifacts, capturing the attention of locals and historians alike.
The initiative cleaned the lakebed across 3.5 kilometers, extending 30 meters into the lake from the shore.
Ioannina’s Secrets
Among the discoveries were wartime relics, including shells, an Ottoman grenade, and German helmets, according to a report by AMNA. Meanwhile, more modern items included mobile phones, bicycles, and even an old cash register.
The Ephorate of Antiquities has taken three ancient vessels found in the lake for further analysis. Onlookers were intrigued by an old canoe, a copper device used for making traditional Greek tsipouro, and part of a military jeep retrieved from the lake, reports AMNA.
Residents had the unique opportunity to view these artifacts, displayed outdoors near the lake. The head of the Epirus Protected Areas Management Unit, Katerina Chiotelli, told AMNA that the scale and variety of findings exceeded all expectations.
The operation is supported by the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA) of Greece through its annual budget and will continue until December 20. It is being conducted by teams of experts and professional divers trained for such cleanups.
Investigations into reports of an Italian fighter plane located at the bottom of the lake remain ongoing.
Ioannina is a city in northwestern Greece, serving as the capital of both the regional unit of Ioannina and the Epirus region. It is a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque setting, and vibrant local traditions.
