Science

To Find the Treasure, Follow the Octopus

In May, a South Korean fisherman caught an octopus clinging with its tentacles to a porcelain plate. When archaeologists searched the area, they found a 12th century shipwreck full of ancient artifacts. Moon Whan-suk, from the National Maritime Museum, expressed surprise that the tiny octopus – about the size of an orange – had managed […]

Goryeoplate
In May, a South Korean fisherman caught an octopus clinging with its tentacles to a porcelain plate.

When archaeologists searched the area, they found a 12th century shipwreck full of ancient artifacts.

Moon Whan-suk, from the National Maritime Museum, expressed surprise that the tiny octopus - about the size of an orange - had managed to hold on to the plate. [...]

"I guess it meant for us to discover the artifacts.

The porcelain dates from the Goryeo dynasty, which ruled from the 10th to 14th century and is considered Korea's Age of Englightenment. Goryeo are regarded as perhaps the finest ever made.

The octopus must have been a connoisseur.

Treasure trove 'found by octopus' [BBC]

Image: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province