The event was organized by history teacher Rosen Ivanov, who combines his teaching role with his experience as a diver.
A special guest was underwater archaeologist Ivelina Petkova from the Center for Underwater Archaeology (CUA), who presented her own presentation created especially for the students. She spoke about the Center’s mission, major discoveries along the Black Sea coast, and the technologies that are transforming the way the past is explored underwater.
The lesson introduced students to little-known but extremely significant aspects of Bulgarian archaeology. Sites such as submerged prehistoric settlements, ancient ports, medieval fortresses, and ancient ships discovered off the Bulgarian coast were presented. Special attention was given to the world’s oldest known shipwreck, documented in the waters of the Black Sea, as well as the unique archaeological layers near Nesebar, Sozopol, and Kiten.
Ivelina Petkova emphasized the use of modern technologies – underwater drones, sonars, remotely operated vehicles – which make it possible to document sites at depths of over 2000 meters. The “Black Sea” project, implemented in cooperation with international institutions, was pointed out as an example of successful scientific and technical integration.
In the practical part of the lesson, Rosen Ivanov presented real diving equipment to the students, including a diving suit and an oxygen tank, demonstrating the functions of each part and its application in underwater archaeological practice. The demonstration effectively complemented the scientific part and created a clear visual impression of real fieldwork.
During the lesson, it was highlighted that Bulgaria is among the pioneers of underwater archaeology not only in Europe but also worldwide. It is no coincidence that our country was the second in the world to ratify the UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage, and in 2025 the CUA received the status of a UNESCO Regional Center for the Black Sea region.
The lesson not only expanded the students’ knowledge of Bulgarian history but also showed how science, cultural heritage, and modern technology can be presented in an exciting and accessible way.
Among the guests were NTG Director Nikolay Mitov, Deputy Director Iskra Koicheva, as well as teachers from various disciplines who also followed with interest the presentation of the underwater treasures of the Black Sea.
