The AFP says Putin was diving for only the third time off the coast of an Ancient Greek and discovered the urns while in full view of the media.
Television footage showed two moss-covered vases with ear-like handles sitting neatly next to each other on top of the sandy bottom as Putin swam into view.
“Treasure!” a dripping wet Putin told reporters with a big grin. “They drank it all already,” he added when asked if there was anything left in the jars.
Upon discovery, Putin started spouting off facts about Ancient Greek pottery and how broken jars were thrown from ships, hence their resting place at the bottom of the sea. Maybe he knew what he was looking for, or is it possible that this was a total publicity stunt?
NO! NEVER! That wouldn’t happen in a million years. [AFP and Reuters]
EckyThump
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 8:18 AMPutin isn’t shy about his own publicity, he thinks he’s a modern day Adonis, and most Russians think the sun shines out of his backside! Unfortunately he is still in charge, even though he’s no longer in the leadership seat! I really believe he is holding Russia back big time! #[
Steve
Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 5:10 PMConsidering how much the Russians have a hard-on for this guy, I wouldn’t be surprised if every single PR event like this was completely staged with prop antique pots that were ‘pre-found’ by genuine divers so Putin can find them again for the camera.
olearymo
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 8:35 AMHe’s in charge for life, basically. I guess he’s a dictator then? But I suppose he’s reeaaasonably benevolent…
Nathan
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 10:26 AMVladimir Putin running Russia is what I imagine the US would be like if their President was Charlie Sheen.
olearymo
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 4:56 PMOh come on, that’s just being mean. Poor Putin.
Stephen
Friday, August 12, 2011 at 9:03 PMBut those vases look Tunisian. What are they doing all the way over in the Black Sea, when trade routes had been disrupted by the Gothic War and Tunisia had largely cut itself off from Greek trade?