Mazarrón II, a Phoenician shipwreck found off the coast of Murcia in southeastern Spain, represents a true treasure for maritime archaeology as the most complete ancient vessel discovered in the Mediterranean.

This ship, whose structure is in an exceptional state of preservation, offers a unique window into the past, shedding light on the shipbuilding techniques of the Phoenicians, a civilization whose maritime expertise has often been overshadowed by other Mediterranean cultures such as the Greeks.

The study of Mazarrón II allows us to delve into a historical period marked by cultural and technological interaction among various Mediterranean peoples, uncovering previously unknown aspects of an ancient “maritime koiné”.

Mazarron II Phoenician Ship
Parts of the boat already removed from the water. Credit: Video capture / University of Valencia

One of the features that makes Mazarrón II unique is the intact preservation of its original carpentry. This fact alone provides researchers with the opportunity to study construction techniques that have remained shrouded in mystery for centuries.

Unlike archaic Greek vessels, which are more extensively documented thanks to previous discoveries, Phoenician ships have been less accessible from an archaeological standpoint.

This discovery offers an invaluable opportunity to understand the methods employed by the Phoenicians and how these evolved in local contexts, influenced by the peculiarities of each region where they sailed.

Mazarron II Phoenician Ship
Fragments of the Phoenician ship Mazarrón II extracted from the sea. Credit: Video capture / University of Valencia

Mazarrón II not only highlights the Phoenicians as exceptional navigators but also demonstrates the existence of a cultural and technological network that connected regions as diverse as Egypt, Cyprus, and Anatolia.

This Mediterranean linkage, a kind of shared knowledge network, is reflected in the ship’s construction and materials, showcasing the Phoenicians’ ability to adapt and integrate external influences without losing their identity.

Preliminary analyses of the Mazarrón II’s timbers have identified a combination of typically Phoenician techniques and elements adapted to local conditions. This suggests that the communities involved in the ship’s construction not only adopted but also innovated upon Phoenician foundations, enriching a maritime legacy that extended throughout the Mediterranean.

However, some aspects of its construction remain enigmatic, underscoring the complexity of such vessels and the need for more in-depth research.

The recovery project for Mazarrón II has been divided into two fundamental phases: the extraction of the wreck and its subsequent restoration. The extraction, initiated in September, has been led by an interdisciplinary team of experts in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the University of Valencia.

The ship’s remains have been transferred to the ARQUAtec laboratory, a center specialized in underwater archaeological conservation, where they will be carefully studied and preserved.

The second phase of the project will focus on the restoration and detailed analysis of the recovered materials. This process will not only ensure the physical preservation of Mazarrón II but also generate knowledge that could transform our understanding of ancient Mediterranean navigation and trade.

Moreover, it is expected that the results of these investigations will foster new initiatives in the field of underwater archaeology, positioning Mazarrón II as a landmark in this domain.

SOURCES

Universitat de València

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