While diving off the coast of Egypt, underwater archaeologists found the 2,000-year-old remains of a boat that may have been a luxurious “pleasure barge” for the ancient elite.
The team discovered the barge in the ancient harbor of Alexandria, the capital of Egypt during the Ptolemaic period (304 to 30 B.C.) and a major city when the Roman empire later dominated the region.the wreck consists of several well-preserved timbers, about 90 feet (28 meters) long, from a barge that had been about 115 feet (35 m) long and 22 feet (7 m) wide, according to a statement from French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio.He thinks it was a “thalamagos” (also spelled “thalamegos”), a Greek word that literally means “cabin carrier” and was used to describe Ptolemaic Egypt’s floating palaces.
Goddio said his team discovered the remains of the vessel in October, during underwater excavations of now-sunken ruins of a Temple of Isis. The temple once sat on the island of Antirhodos, which now lies underwater, and was within the “Portus Magnus,” or Grate Harbor, used at Alexandria during the Ptolemaic period. The temple there was destroyed, probably during an earthquake in about A.D. 50,and the island sank beneath the waves between the fourth and the eighth centuries.
Goddio
Ancient Roman Shipwreck Discovered Near Cleopatra’s Lost City
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A remarkably well-preserved Roman shipwreck, dating back over 2,200 years, has been discovered off the coast of Egypt near the ancient city of Thonis-Heracleion and the island of Antirhodos. The discovery was announced by the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).
The ship, estimated to be between 25 and 30 meters (82 to 98 feet) long, was found lying on the seabed alongside other remnants of a larger ancient harbor complex. Archaeologists believe the vessel likely sank sometime between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE, a period marked by meaningful political upheaval in the region. This was the era when Octavian (later Augustus) defeated the navy of Cleopatra VII (the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty) and her lover, the Roman rebel Mark Antony.
Exactly how the newfound vessel ended up by the island of Antirhodos is unclear.”This intriguing shipwreck could have been used along the canals in Alexandria as Strabo described,” said IEASM head Franck Goddio in a statement. Though, it was found near the underwater ruins of the Temple of Isis on Antirhodos and may have been caught up in the destruction there.
The ship’s cargo appears to consist of a variety of goods, suggesting it was a merchant vessel engaged in trade. Further excavation and analysis are planned to uncover more details about the ship’s origin, its cargo, and the circumstances surrounding its demise. This discovery offers a valuable glimpse into the maritime trade and naval activity of the ancient Mediterranean world, and the complex history of Egypt during a pivotal period.
Ancient Shipwreck off Sicily May Be a Rare ‘Thalamagos’ Transport Vessel
A remarkably well-preserved shipwreck discovered off the coast of Sicily may be a thalamagos, a type of ancient transport ship used by the Phoenicians and Romans, according to initial assessments.The discovery, made by a team from the RPM Nautical Foundation, offers a rare glimpse into the maritime trade and shipbuilding techniques of the ancient Mediterranean world.Though, experts caution that further examination is needed to definitively identify the vessel.
The Discovery and Initial Findings
The shipwreck was located near the Egadi Islands,west of sicily,at a depth of approximately 250 meters (820 feet). The site contains a substantial cargo of amphorae, ancient ceramic jars used for transporting goods like wine, oil, and garum (a fermented fish sauce).The size and construction of the ship, along with the type of amphorae recovered, have led researchers to hypothesize it might very well be a thalamagos.
According to the RPM Nautical Foundation, the ship is estimated to be between 25 and 30 meters (82-98 feet) long and dates back to the 2nd or 1st century BCE. The vessel’s cargo suggests it was involved in long-distance trade, likely connecting North Africa with Italy.
What is a Thalamagos?
The term “thalamagos” (plural: thalamagoi) comes from the Greek word for “sea carrier.” These ships were specifically designed for bulk transport, differing from warships or smaller coastal trading vessels. They were characterized by:
* Large Capacity: thalamagoi were built to carry significant quantities of cargo, frequently enough hundreds of tons.
* Robust Construction: They were designed for stability and durability to withstand the rigors of long sea voyages.
* Rounded Hulls: Their hull shape maximized cargo space.
* Limited Maneuverability: Thalamagoi were not built for speed or agility, prioritizing cargo capacity over performance.
Evidence for thalamagoi is relatively scarce,as they were workhorse vessels not typically commemorated in art or literature. Consequently, few examples have been discovered archaeologically, making this Sicilian wreck particularly significant.
Expert Perspective
Timmy Gambin, a maritime archaeologist at the University of Malta whose research covers ancient vessels as well as wartime wrecks, emphasized the need for further scientific analysis.”It is yet early days to determine exactly what the vessel was used for,” he told Live Science in an email. While the initial findings are promising,Gambin,who was not involved in the discovery,cautioned against premature conclusions. determining the ship’s precise function requires detailed analysis of its construction,cargo,and context. He also studies ancient vessels.
Ongoing Research and Future Plans
The RPM Nautical Foundation is continuing to excavate and document the shipwreck. Researchers are meticulously mapping the site, recovering artifacts, and analyzing the ship’s structure. Future research will focus on:
* Detailed Analysis of Amphorae: Determining the origin and contents of the amphorae will provide insights into the trade routes and commodities transported by the vessel.
* Wood Analysis: Examining the ship’s timbers will reveal facts about its construction techniques and the types of wood used.
* 3D modeling: Creating a three-dimensional model of the shipwreck will allow researchers to study its structure and layout in detail.
This discovery promises to shed new light on the ancient Mediterranean economy and the vital role played by seafaring trade. As research progresses, we can expect a more definitive understanding of this remarkable shipwreck and its place in maritime history.
Key Takeaways:
* A well-preserved shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Sicily.
* Initial assessments suggest the vessel may be a thalamagos, a rare type of ancient transport ship.
* The ship dates back to the 2nd or 1st century BCE and carried a large cargo of amphorae.
* further research is needed to confirm the ship’s identity and function.
* The discovery offers a valuable opportunity to learn more about ancient Mediterranean trade and shipbuilding.
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