World's oldest intact shipwreck discovered in Black Sea

UK Guardian ^ | October 22, 2018 | Kevin Rawlinson

[C19fan]

Archaeologists have found what they believe to be the world’s oldest intact shipwreck at the bottom of the Black Sea where it appears to have lain undisturbed for more than 2,400 years.

The 23-metre (75ft) vessel, thought to be ancient Greek, was discovered with its mast, rudders and rowing benches all present and correct just over a mile below the surface. A lack of oxygen at that depth preserved it, the researchers said.

“A ship surviving intact from the classical world, lying in over 2km of water, is something I would never have believed possible,” said Professor Jon Adams, the principal investigator with the Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project (MAP), the team that made the find. “This will change our understanding of shipbuilding and seafaring in the ancient world.”

[SunkenCiv]

I hope the search continues. Every ship not now afloat, unless it was cut up for salvage at the breaker's dock, is on the sea floor, or its cargo is. The Black Sea probably has dozens of such down in the anoxia layer.

[cynwoody]

So we can deduct from the locale that the sailors on that boat likely died from lack of oxygen.

Inability to breathe is a well-known property of Davy Jones's Locker, be it in the Black Sea or seas generally.

[ZULU]

Me too.

[T-Bone Texan]

"...The cargo in jars will be long gone I'm sure, but it would be worthwhile to pull one (if there are any) and see what's inside, just water, or some residue of whatever it used to be (wine, olive oil, fish)...."

Scientists ascertained the ingredients of an amphora from thousands of years ago and used it to recreate a beer not made since antiquity.

It's called Midas Touch, from Dogfish Head Ale Co.

And it's good!

[SunkenCiv]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3243233/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/675661/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/596541/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2110692/posts

[SunkenCiv]

Yes, FR even has a Phrygia keyword:

• King Midas and His Golden Touch at the Penn Museum [2016]
• How Archaeologists Recreate Ancient Booze (interview with Patrick McGovern) [2015]
• Archaeologists Uncover Massive Fortifications in Ancient City of King Midas [2014]
• 'Gate to Hell' guardians recovered in Turkey [2013]
• New Indo-European Language Discovered [2012]
• Two tumuluses found in Turkey's ancient Daskyleion [2010]
• Grog of the Greeks [ barley beer, honey mead, retsina wine ] [2008]
• Yapi Kredi Museum exhibit explores Phrygian culture [2008]
• Greek sculpture 'from throne of Midas' [2002] [2007]
• King Midas' Modern Mourners [2004]
• Burushaski [2004]
• Amazon Warrior Women [2004]
• Non-Attic Characters [2004]
• Chemistry Used to Unlock Secrets in Archeological Remains [2002]
• Archaeologists Find Celts in Unlikely Spot: Central Turkey [2001]
• Archaeologists Find Celts in Unlikely Spot: Central Turkey (Ellas Go Bragh!?) [2001]
• Archaeologists Find Celts in Unlikely Spot: Central Turkey [2001]
• So Who Is Buried in Midas's Tomb? [2001]
• Archaeologists Rewrite Timeline Of Bronze And Iron Ages, Alphabet [2001]