The ancient Phoenician shipwreck known as Mazarrón II, a marvel from the ancient world, was recovered off the coast of Murcia, Spain.
The ship’s structure was found in October in exceptional condition, providing a glimpse into the past like never before. Researchers can now study the intricacies of Phoenician shipbuilding techniques, as they now have a better historical context in relation to how the boats were designed and utilized. The Phoenicians were expert sailors in their own right, but they are often overshadowed by the ancient Greeks and other Mediterranean cultures.
Ancient Phoenician shipwreck is a unique discovery
A groundbreaking discovery is unfolding beneath the waters off the coast of Murcia, Spain, as archaeologists work to recover Mazarrón 2, the most complete Phoenician shipwreck ever found in the Mediterranean. Dating back to around 700 BC.
This 2,700-year-old vessel offers an… pic.twitter.com/w6DambVbi4
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The ship dates back to around 600 BC. Researchers have suggested that the vessel capsized after a sudden storm hit it off the coast of Murcia, completely engulfing it in sand.
“This sandy substratum is the chest that has preserved it to this day. What was, at the time, a great misfortune, is today a great blessing for archaeology,” said University of Valencia (UV) researcher Carlos de Juan Fuertes.
Thanks to its sound preservation in the sand, the ship’s many features remain almost perfectly intact, especially the vessel’s carpentry which interests researchers greatly. While ancient Greek ships are well documented, researchers have not had the same luxury when it comes to those of the ancient Phoenicians.
However, the UV team of researchers has also faced challenges. While the boat was in stellar condition in October, when it was found, it has since had some wear and tear as a result of the excavation.
“The protection by the sand that the wreckage enjoyed for centuries has changed in recent decades due to the anthropization of the coastline,” said Juan Fuertes. “Coastal constructions have been erected without appropriate prior studies and the sea current has changed, thus creating a scenario in which the wreck must be urgently rescued.”
Juan Fuertes added, “The wreckage can no longer remain where it is because its sand protection is now disappearing. [It] has survived for centuries, but now it is time to…ensure that we can continue to enjoy this asset of cultural interest.”
First observations and analysis of the shipwreck remnants have yielded some intriguing results. The team found that the ship’s timber and construction method as a whole utilized ancient Phoenician techniques along with design methods specific to sailing through the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
This combination proves that ancient shipbuilders and carpenters did not simply adopt ancient cultural practices but carefully thought things through in terms of how they could best advance their work and ensure their creations were best suited for their purpose.