Phoenician shipwreck discovery unearths ancient maritime secrets
Near the Spanish city of Mazarrón, specialists have excavated a perfectly preserved wreck of a Phoenician ship from the 7th century B.C., marking one of its most significant archaeological finds.
3:34 PM EST, November 11, 2024
The wreck, known as Mazarrón II and dating to 610-580 B.C., measures 27 feet long and 7 feet wide. The ship was loaded with lead ingots and needed to be excavated due to the destructive impact of ocean currents and the pressure from the metal protective cover that shielded it.
The extraction process lasted 40 days and concluded last Thursday. A team of specialists in underwater archaeology performed the operation, which was funded by the regional ministry of culture of the autonomous community of Murcia.
Carlos de Juan from the University of Valencia, who led the project, emphasized that research on the techniques of Phoenician shipbuilding will deepen understanding of their navigation methods.
They have excavated a unique wreck. What's next?
The excavated parts of the wreck will now be taken to the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena (ARQUA), where they will undergo a four-year conservation process.
These artifacts are expected to provide valuable information about Phoenician times and contribute to a better understanding of the history of this Mediterranean civilization.
During the excavation, pieces of rope with preserved knots from the Phoenician period and remnants of an anchor were also discovered.
These findings might offer additional insights into the sailing techniques used by the ancient Phoenicians.
