Antiquity

The submerged relic, a testament to the advanced seafaring capabilities of the ancient Phoenicians, lies off the coast of Mazarrón in the Mediterranean Sea.

Unveiling Phoenician maritime prowess

Discovered more than three decades ago, this Phoenician ship is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient seafaring vessels. The remarkable condition of the shipwreck promises invaluable insights into Phoenician shipbuilding, navigation and trade practices that were a cornerstone of their civilization.

According to reports, these shipwrecks are believed to date back to Roman times. Although the Mediterranean Sea is known for its rich history of maritime trade and naval warfare, the discovery of intact ancient shipwrecks remains a rare occurrence.

The shipwrecks were discovered during an operation intended to protect underwater heritage. UNESCO and the eight participating Member States launched this mission, recognizing the critical value of these sites in understanding our collective past.

The project will promote underwater cultural assets and target tourism development by using a multidisciplinary approach to present and document the shipwrecks, navigation routes, harbours, anchorages, and other archaeological sites along the Montenegrin coast.

Wisconsin Historical Society maritime archaeologists recovered a historic dugout wood canoe from the bottom of Lake Mendota in the US state of Wisconsin yesterday, just a few months after learning of its existence in June 2021. The canoe is a remarkable artifact, made from a single tree.

In 2015, commercial and salvage diver Ahmad Qamarulhazman was clearing debris underwater near Pedra Branca island, 24 nautical miles east of Singapore, after two bulk loader cranes that were in danger of toppling were blown up.

On his final dive of the operation, he spotted something wedged between rocks 8m deep. His trained eye told him that it was not something natural, but it was tough to see what it was as it was encrusted with algae, molluscs and organisms.