Ancient Roman Shipwreck's Waterproof Coating Reveals Advanced Seafaring Technology
The ancient Roman Republic shipwreck Ilovik-Paržine 1, found off the coast of Croatia in 2016, dates back 2,200 years and sheds light on historical shipbuilding techniques. This vessel sank in the Adriatic Sea during the mid-second century B.C.E., while transporting timber and wine. Research published in Frontiers in Materials examined hull coating samples, identifying a mixture of beeswax and conifer-derived pitch, referred to as zopissa by Pliny the Elder. This indicates the exchange of technical knowledge across the Mediterranean. The study, led by Armelle Charrié-Duhaut from the University of Strasbourg, also analyzed pollen, suggesting the ship was constructed near Brindisi, Italy. Results emphasize the use of organic waterproofing and indicate the ship's travel between the western and eastern Adriatic coasts, with coatings applied at various stages.
Key facts
- The Ilovik-Paržine 1 shipwreck was discovered in 2016 off the coast of Croatia.
- The ship sank in the mid-second century B.C.E. in the Adriatic Sea.
- The hull was coated with conifer-derived pitch, and one sample contained a mixture of pitch and beeswax.
- The mixture of pitch and beeswax is known as zopissa, referenced by Pliny the Elder.
- The study was published in Frontiers in Materials and led by Armelle Charrié-Duhaut.
- Pollen analysis revealed the ship was likely built near Brindisi, Italy.
- Four to five distinct coating batches were identified, indicating repairs or multiple applications.
- The findings highlight the circulation of technical knowledge across the Mediterranean.
Entities
Artists
- Armelle Charrié-Duhaut
- Quentin Couillebault
- Pliny the Elder
Institutions
- University of Strasbourg
- Aix-Marseille University
- CNRS
- Frontiers in Materials
- Smithsonian
Locations
- Croatia
- Adriatic Sea
- Brindisi
- Italy
- Istria
- Dalmatia
- Mediterranean