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|built=7th century BC|abandoned=7th century BC|epochs=]|condition=Conserved at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in ]|ownership=Spain|cultures=], ]|discovered=1988 <small>(Mazarrón I)</small><br>1994 <small>(Mazarrón II)</small>|caption=Reconstruction of the Phoenician shipwreck Mazarron II in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Cartagena (ARQUA).|map=|coordinates={{Coordinates|37.55986117792037|-1.267502869855769}}{{sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|p=301}}|map_type=Spain}} |built=7th century BC|abandoned=7th century BC|epochs=]|condition=Conserved at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in ]|ownership=Spain|cultures=], ]|discovered=1988 <small>(Mazarrón I)</small><br>1994 <small>(Mazarrón II)</small>|caption=Reconstruction of the Phoenician shipwreck Mazarron II in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Cartagena (ARQUA).|map=|coordinates={{Coordinates|37.55986117792037|-1.267502869855769}}{{sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|p=301}}|map_type=Spain}}


The '''Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón''' are two wrecks dated to the 7th century BC, found off the coast of ], in the ], Spain. The Mazarrón I was discovered in 1988 and has undergone excavation, extraction, and restoration since 1993. It is currently on display at the ] in ]. The second shipwreck, dubbed Mazarrón II, was discovered in 1994. Mazarrón II was better preserved, protected by a metal sarcophagus;{{sfn|Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón|2004}}{{Sfn|Región de Murcia Digital|2015}} after years of study, its was extracted in September 2024.{{sfn|Vadillo|2024}} The '''Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón''' are two wrecks dated to the 7th century BC, found off the coast of ], in the ], Spain. The Mazarrón I was discovered in 1988 and has undergone excavation, extraction, and restoration since 1993. It is currently on display at the ] in ]. The second shipwreck, dubbed Mazarrón II, was discovered in 1994. Mazarrón II was better preserved, protected by a metal cover.{{sfn|Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón|2004}}{{Sfn|Región de Murcia Digital|2015}} After years of study, its was extracted in September 2024.{{sfn|Vadillo|2024}} The shipwrecks demonstrates hybrid shipbuilding techniques including pegged mortise and tenon joints, as well as sewn seams, providing evidence of technological experimentation in maritime construction during the Iron Age.


Additionally, there is an research center for the ] ships located in Mazarrón, which was inaugurated in June 2009.{{Sfn|La Razon editorial|2009}} Additionally, there is an research center for the ] ships located in Mazarrón, which was inaugurated in June 2009.{{Sfn|La Razon editorial|2009}}


== Discovery and excavation ==
{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018}}
⚫ The shipwreck site was identified in 1988 during coastal surveys off the coast of teh Playa de la Isla and the Isla del Puerto in Mazarrón during the construction of a marina, which altered the currents and exposed a ship's wooden structures.. The discovery was made by archaeologists from the Spanish National Museum of Maritime Archaeology and the National Center for Underwater Archaeological Research. Excavations from 1993 to 1995, part of the "Nave Fenicia" project, revealed two shipwrecks, Mazarrón I and II. Mazarrón 1 was raised for conservation, while Mazarrón 2 was kept in situ.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=300–301}}{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021a}}


== Description ==
{{Coordinates|37.55986117792037|-1.267502869855769}}


== Mazarrón I == === Mazarrón I ===
⚫ The wreck of Mazarrón I, found about {{Convert|50|m|ft|sp=us}} from the shore and at a depth of {{Convert|2.5|m|ft|sp=us}}, was covered by a layer of dead '']'', which had sealed the ship and allowed for its preservation. Its remains are incomplete; only the {{Convert|3.98|m|ft|sp=us}} keel and remnants of four frames connected to nine fragments of planking and part of one of the bars were found. Over 8,000 Phoenician ceramic fragments were documented, comprising more than 70% of the finds. These included parts of ], cooking pots, bowls, plates, and cups.{{Sfn|Carvajal|2017}} Additionally, stone and metal artifacts were recovered, including a silver ] and a spearhead, one of the few examples of ] metallurgy found in the ].{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021b}} Mazarrón I is features hybrid shipbuilding techniques, combining ] and sewn seams.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=304–306}} Mazarrón I is possibly the first Phoenician vessel from the 7th century BCE discovered in the Mediterranean. This wreck contributes to archaeological knowledge of Phoenician colonization patterns in inland territories and serves as an intermediate point between the two traditionally documented Phoenician-Punic coastal settlements of Ibiza and Villaricos, which are historically considered distant from each other.{{Sfn|Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática|2018}}
⚫ The Mazarrón I ship was discovered on the beach of ] in Mazarrón during to the construction of a marina, which altered the currents and exposed the ship's wooden structures. The discovery was made by archaeologists from the Spanish National Museum of Maritime Archaeology and the National Center for Underwater Archaeological Research. Between 1993 and 1995, the Phoenician Ship Project was carried out, which allowed for the documentation and extraction of the wreck.{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021a}}

⚫ The wreck, found about {{Convert|50|m|ft|sp=us}} from the shore and at a depth of {{Convert|2.5|m|ft|sp=us}}, was covered by a layer of dead '']'', which had sealed the ship and allowed for its preservation. Its remains are incomplete; only the {{Convert|3.98|m|ft|sp=us}} keel and remnants of four frames connected to nine fragments of planking and part of one of the bars were found. Over 8,000 Phoenician ceramic fragments were documented, comprising more than 70% of the finds. These included parts of ], cooking pots, bowls, plates, and cups.{{Sfn|Carvajal|2017}} Additionally, stone and metal artifacts were recovered, including a silver ] and a spearhead, one of the few examples of ] metallurgy found in the ].{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021b}}

Mazarrón I is possibly the first Phoenician vessel from the 7th century BCE discovered in the Mediterranean. This wreck contributes to archaeological knowledge of Phoenician colonization patterns in inland territories and serves as an intermediate point between the two traditionally documented Phoenician-Punic coastal settlements of Ibiza and Villaricos, which are historically considered distant from each other.{{Sfn|Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática|2018}}


== Mazarrón II == == Mazarrón II ==

Revision as of 20:32, 30 November 2024

Seventh century BC Phoenician shipwreck near the coast of Spain
Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón
Reconstruction of the Phoenician shipwreck Mazarron II in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Cartagena (ARQUA).
Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón is located in SpainPhoenician shipwrecks of MazarrónShown within Spain
LocationPlaya de la Isla , off the coast of Mazarron, Sapin
Coordinates37°33′36″N 1°16′03″W / 37.55986117792037°N 1.267502869855769°W / 37.55986117792037; -1.267502869855769
TypeSite of a sunken ship
History
Founded7th century BC
Abandoned7th century BC
PeriodsIron Age
CulturesPhoenician, Iberian
Site notes
Discovered1988 (Mazarrón I)
1994 (Mazarrón II)
ConditionConserved at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena
OwnershipSpain

The Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón are two wrecks dated to the 7th century BC, found off the coast of Mazarrón, in the Region of Murcia, Spain. The Mazarrón I was discovered in 1988 and has undergone excavation, extraction, and restoration since 1993. It is currently on display at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena. The second shipwreck, dubbed Mazarrón II, was discovered in 1994. Mazarrón II was better preserved, protected by a metal cover. After years of study, its was extracted in September 2024. The shipwrecks demonstrates hybrid shipbuilding techniques including pegged mortise and tenon joints, as well as sewn seams, providing evidence of technological experimentation in maritime construction during the Iron Age.

Additionally, there is an research center for the Phoenician ships located in Mazarrón, which was inaugurated in June 2009.

Discovery and excavation

The shipwreck site was identified in 1988 during coastal surveys off the coast of teh Playa de la Isla and the Isla del Puerto in Mazarrón during the construction of a marina, which altered the currents and exposed a ship's wooden structures.. The discovery was made by archaeologists from the Spanish National Museum of Maritime Archaeology and the National Center for Underwater Archaeological Research. Excavations from 1993 to 1995, part of the "Nave Fenicia" project, revealed two shipwrecks, Mazarrón I and II. Mazarrón 1 was raised for conservation, while Mazarrón 2 was kept in situ.

Description

Mazarrón I

The wreck of Mazarrón I, found about 50 meters (160 ft) from the shore and at a depth of 2.5 meters (8.2 ft), was covered by a layer of dead Posidonia oceanica, which had sealed the ship and allowed for its preservation. Its remains are incomplete; only the 3.98 meters (13.1 ft) keel and remnants of four frames connected to nine fragments of planking and part of one of the bars were found. Over 8,000 Phoenician ceramic fragments were documented, comprising more than 70% of the finds. These included parts of amphorae, cooking pots, bowls, plates, and cups. Additionally, stone and metal artifacts were recovered, including a silver scarab and a spearhead, one of the few examples of Atlantic Bronze Age metallurgy found in the Mediterranean. Mazarrón I is features hybrid shipbuilding techniques, combining pegged mortise-and-tenon joints and sewn seams. Mazarrón I is possibly the first Phoenician vessel from the 7th century BCE discovered in the Mediterranean. This wreck contributes to archaeological knowledge of Phoenician colonization patterns in inland territories and serves as an intermediate point between the two traditionally documented Phoenician-Punic coastal settlements of Ibiza and Villaricos, which are historically considered distant from each other.

Mazarrón II

Remains of Mazarron I.

The Mazarrón II shipwreck was discovered in 1994 by divers and is the most complete ancient shipwreck found to date, with nearly the entire vessel preserved from bow to stern. It measures 8.1 meters (27 ft) in length, 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) in beam, and an approximate depth of 11 meters (36 ft). This wreck is of significant archaeological importance, providing a detailed insight into Phoenician shipbuilding techniques and maritime practices. It is located in the Mediterranean off the coast of Mazarrón, Spain. The Mazarrón II shipwreck retains nearly all of its frames made from fig tree wood, except for one, which are sewn together with plant fibers. The pine planking that forms the hull is fastened using a system of dowels, and plant fibers were employed to caulk the seams. Its state of preservation is excellent, and the wreck remains almost intact under a protective metal cover that was installed in 2000 at the discovery site.

The Mazarrón II shipwreck preserves all of its elements in their original position and curvature, in contrast to the Mazarrón I, whose material was found scattered. The cargo of both ships was primarily composed of litharge blocks for silver separation, and nearly the entire cargo has been preserved in Mazarrón II, with 2,820 kilograms recovered​. The remains of the Mazarrón II shipwreck, which were extracted between October 1999 and January 2001, also included a ceramic amphora, a plant fiber basket with a wooden handle, a hand mill, and several animal bone fragments. Additionally, the ship contained a wooden and lead anchor, which was preserved in excellent condition and is the first of its kind to be found. The cargoes of both ships are currently on display at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena.

After two years of thorough studies, in March 2021, the Ministry of Culture and Sports approved the extraction of the Mazarrón II shipwreck for its exhibition at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.The extraction project involved the UNESCO, and culminated with the successful recovery of the ship in September 2024.

Gallery

  • Reconstruction of the Phoenician Ship Mazarrón II Reconstruction of the Phoenician Ship Mazarrón II
  • Original remains of the Mazarrón I wreck. Original remains of the Mazarrón I wreck.
  • Phoenician ring from the Mazarrón II wreck. Phoenician ring from the Mazarrón II wreck.
  • Part of the cargo of the Phoenician ship. Part of the cargo of the Phoenician ship.

References

Citations

  1. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 301.
  2. Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón 2004.
  3. Región de Murcia Digital 2015.
  4. ^ Vadillo 2024.
  5. La Razon editorial 2009.
  6. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 300–301.
  7. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021a.
  8. ^ Carvajal 2017.
  9. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021b.
  10. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 304–306.
  11. Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática 2018.
  12. Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón. Concejalía de Turismo. 2015.
  13. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021c.
  14. M.A. 2021.
  15. McGeer 2024.

Sources

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