The eight wrecks which date back around 2,000 years ago were discovered at a depth of just 30 metres.
The divers from the Norwegian Institute at Athens came across the wrecks by chance, during an expedition to find the ancient southern harbour at Naxos.
And they found several amphorae – jugs with two handles and a narrow neck – that originated in Asia Minor, and date back to the Early Roman period, between 100 BCE – 300 CE.
They also discovered roofing tiles and bricks, suggesting the ships belonged to merchants who plied their trade during the Hellenistic, Roman Imperial and Late Roman Periods.
Using sonar, the researchers also discovered four more shipwrecks, although these are yet to be visited by divers.
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Sven Ahrens, who led the dive, said: “The route followed some Dodecanese islands and then continued through the Aegean islands.
“The advantage with such a sea route close to land was that there were many harbors and anchorages on the way where the ships could seek shelter.
“The islands would offer some protection on the leeward side from wind and waves.
“So we have to assume that a lot of the East-West traffic went through the straight south of Naxos, at least in the Roman Imperial time.
“The vessels would have been loaded with anything profitable enough to justify a long and dangerous sea journey.”
The team also discovered roof tiles and bricks within the wreckages.
Mr Ahrens said: “As we know from other wrecks, they may have been used in the construction of the boat to form a small roof or an open fireplace.”
The researchers said the ships would have been steered using two large oars, and would have had a crew of around 10 to 15 sailors.
They said the ships may have been near Naxos in the hope of finding shelter from a storm.
Mr Ahrens said: “We believe that the site may have provided shelter for boats sailing through the Aegean that waited for favourable winds.”
The team now plans to continue surveying and studying the finds using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.