Roman boat sunk 1,800 years ago found in the Mediterranean

A wrecked millenary boat was discovered near the beach of S'Arenal, on Mallorca Island, Spain, containing rich archaeological material. According to local authorities, the vessel is from the time of the Roman Empire and is about 1, 800 years old. Despite its age, it is in excellent condition.

Responsible for the archaeological excavation of the wreck, researchers at the Balearic Institute of Maritime Archeology (IBEAM) found 93 Greco-Roman amphorae amid the wreckage. Judging by the age of the materials and the route the ship was following, it is believed that ceramic pots were used to transport products such as wine, olive oil and a spice made of fish widely used by the Romans.

The history of this vessel dates back to the mid-third century AD, according to representatives of Majorca's Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language Policy. It would have departed from some port south of the Iberian Peninsula towards Rome, probably, and for some reason sank into the Spanish island region.

What would have happened to the Roman boat?

It is still unknown what motivated the sinking of the Roman vessel found in Majorca. But one thing is certain so far: the cause was not violent, according to experts hired to recover the wrecked material.

The excellent state of conservation of the archaeological remains found at the bottom of the sea led the researchers to rule out an attack by enemies of the ancient Romans. Another possible cause for the sinking would be a severe storm, but it has also been rejected.

According to scholars, the most likely cause for the wreck of the Roman boat is a hole in some part of the vessel or a blow that would have hit the deck.

Amphorae will be restored and exposed

The wreckage of the wrecked Roman boat involved the participation of several professionals, including representatives of the Spanish Navy, specialists in underwater archeology and even a restorer of salvaged materials at the bottom of the sea.

The material recovered during the intervention in this part of the Mediterranean will be restored and will soon be part of the Mallorca Museum collection.