Largest/Rarest Ancient Roman Shipyard Uncovered

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the recent discovery of a large Roman shipyard at the ancient port of Portus in Rome, dating back to the second century. Participants share their thoughts on the significance of this find and its rarity within the context of Roman maritime history.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the rarity of such discoveries, noting that few Roman Imperial shipyards have been uncovered.
  • One participant mentions the potential significance of the shipyard being the largest of its kind in Italy or the Mediterranean, as suggested by the dig director.
  • Additional resources about the Portus project are shared for further information.
  • Participants express enthusiasm about the connection of the shipyard to the Portus complex.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the significance and rarity of the discovery, but no consensus is reached on the implications or broader context of the find.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not delve into specific archaeological methods or the implications of the findings beyond the initial discovery.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in archaeology, Roman history, and maritime studies may find this discussion relevant.

baywax
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This is an unprecedented discovery. This kind of find is very rare. Perhaps because the shipyard this story is about was large enough to be one of the only shipyards during the 2nd century.

A large Roman shipyard has been uncovered an ancient port in Rome called Portus, researchers reported yesterday (Sept. 22).

They found the remains of a massive building, dating to the second century, where ancient ships were likely built close to the distinctive hexagonal basin, or "harbor," at the center of the port complex.

"Few Roman Imperial shipyards have been discovered and, if our identification is correct, this would be the largest of its kind in Italy or the Mediterranean," dig director Simon Keay, of the University of Southampton, said in a statement.


http://www.livescience.com/16201-rome-ancient-shipyard.html
 
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Astronuc said:
Cool - for additional information - http://www.portusproject.org/



Thanks Astronuc, it didn't occur to me that this shipyard would be a part of the Portus complex. Totally cool!
 
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Good find!