Oldest Ship Wreck Found in Black Sea

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In summary, a shipwreck found in the Black Sea at a depth of 2 km has been preserved due to the lack of oxygen and is believed to be a depiction of Greek ships from 400 BC. Its discovery has shed light on ancient shipbuilding techniques and trade routes. Additionally, archeologists have uncovered evidence of trading between cultures dating back to 320,000 years ago. This discovery serves as a reminder of the many unknown civilizations that have risen and fallen throughout history. The ship has a single mast with a square sail and a rudder in the stern, and is estimated to be a merchant ship made of pine, oak, and cedar wood with iron nails and lead sheathing.
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BillTre
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Guardian story here.
The ship was protected from decomposition by the Black Sea's lack of oxygen in its deeper layers (found 2 km deep).
I saw a picture of this somewhere else that showed detailed carvings on some wooden parts as well as several coils of rope.
It is taken as confirmation that an image on a vase was a decent depiction of the Greek ships of that time.
The mast is toward the bow.
 
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I heard on the radio that they were digitizing the wreck because the timbers have decomposed internally over time due to bacteria embedded within the wood and to lift it would be a mistake that would destroy it.

In another story, they mentioned archeologists have uncovered evidence of trading between cultures at 320,000 years ago.

https://www.iflscience.com/plants-a...n-innovation-and-trading-to-320000-years-ago/

Comparing the two, you realize that civilizations of which we have no knowledge have risen and fallen hundreds of times and the only legacy we have are outlines of sites, shards of pottery and such and our stories passed from generation to generation until we finally wrote them down. Very sobering.

Thanks for the sharing.

Jedi
 
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It has a square sail. The mast is supported by stays. There is a rudder that can be seen in the stern. The ship is about 23 meters long and 4-5 meters wide. It is a merchant ship. It is a round bottom ship. It has a single mast with a square sail. The rudder is in the stern. It has a flat deck with a small cabin in the stern. The ship is made of pine, oak, and cedar wood. It also has iron nails and lead sheathing for protection. The ship is estimated to be from around 400 BC. Its discovery provides valuable insight into ancient shipbuilding techniques and trade routes.
 

What is the "Oldest Ship Wreck Found in Black Sea"?

The "Oldest Ship Wreck Found in Black Sea" refers to a well-preserved ancient Greek merchant ship that was discovered in the Black Sea in 2018. It is estimated to be over 2,400 years old and is considered the world's oldest intact shipwreck.

Where was the shipwreck found?

The shipwreck was found at the bottom of the Black Sea, near the Bulgarian coast.

How was the shipwreck discovered?

The shipwreck was discovered by a team of scientists from the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP) using advanced underwater technology, including remotely operated vehicles and sonar scanning.

What is the significance of this discovery?

This discovery is significant because it provides a rare glimpse into ancient seafaring and trade during the Classical Greek period. The well-preserved state of the ship and its cargo also offers valuable insights into the design and construction of ancient ships and the goods that were traded in the Black Sea region.

What has been learned from the shipwreck?

The analysis of the ship's construction, cargo, and other artifacts found on board has revealed important information about ancient trade routes, shipbuilding techniques, and the economy of the Black Sea region during the Classical Greek period. It has also shed light on the trade relationships between different ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and the Scythians.

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