Godavaya Shipwreck

The Godavaya Shipwreck, was found near the ancient Port of Godavaya, Sri Lanka.
It dates from the first century BCE or CE and was possibly heading towards Egypt.

It contained Iron and Copper Ingots, Blue Green and Black Glass Ingots from southern India, Pottery and a Grinding Stone.

Godavaya was an ancient Port in the South of Sri Lanka, situated on the Indian Ocean.
It operated from the 1st century BCE to 10th century CE and was an important Port on the Silk Road with ships coming from China and Goods going to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

A Temple dedicated to Gotha Pabbatha Rajamaha Vihara
- This was built on the rock overlooking the harbour, in the second century CE. A Customs House was built to one side of the Temple.
An inscription from King Gajabahu I’s Reign (c.114-136 CE)
- This shows Port Dues were collected from Godawaya Harbour and a portion went to the local Temple of Godapawath.
- Clay Seals bearing a Lion were used to show Payment had been made. Also a statue of Buddha which is 11ft 6″ (3.5 m) high, along with two smaller Boddhisattva statues.
75,000 Late Roman Coins
- These were excavated from earthen containers in the area.
Persian and Chinese pottery has also been found.

Finds from the Godavaya Shipwreck will eventually be on display in the Maritime Archeological Museum in Galle,