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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 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. 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. 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 == == 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.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=300–301}}{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021a}} 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.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=300–301}}{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021a}} In July 1991, the remains of a first wooden vessel, dubbed Mazarrón I, was identified. Between 1988 and 1995, excavation and fieldwork activities at Playa de la Isla were direcrted by archaeologist ].{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=301}} Between October 1993 and June 1995, the Mazarrón I wreck underwent systematic surveying and documentation as part of the "Nave Fenicia" project. In 1994, the remains of a second shipwreck, later named Mazarrón II, were discovered. and kept in situ.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=300–301}}{{Sfn|Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España|2021a}} In 1995, the remains of the Mazarrón 1 hull were recovered,{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=301}} followed in September 2024 by the remains of Mazarrón II, which were raised from the seabed after years of study.{{sfn|Vadillo|2024}}


== Description == == Description ==


=== 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 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.{{Sfn|Carvajal|2017}} The Mazarrón I shipwreck was discovered in an incomplete state, but with relatively well-preserved timber components. The surviving remains include a nearly complete ], nine incomplete planking ], and four incomplete and fragmented ].{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=301}} Unlike the hull of Mazarrón II, that of Mazarrón I featured meticulous longitudinal stitching along the seams in addition to the pegged mortise-and-tenon fasteners.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=302}}

The keel of Mazarrón I, was nearly intact but degraded at the ] end, measured {{Convert|3.98|m|ft|sp=us}} in length. Its wood was identified as ] which was mistakenly described as ] in earlier excavation reports. The keel had a distinctive T-shaped scarf connecting it to the stem, employing two perpendicular tenons—one horizontal and one vertical—for stability under vertical stress. The aft end of the keel likely featured a similar scarf, though damage obscured confirmation.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=302}} Mazarrón I features hybrid shipbuilding techniques; the strakes were fastened combining ] and sewn seams.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=304–306}} These mortises were approximately {{cvt|30|–|36|mm|in|sp=us}}, {{cvt|9|–|10|mm|in|sp=us}} thick, and {{cvt|60|–|80|mm|in|sp=us}} deep. Tenons were tightly fitted, with cylindrical pegs {{cvt|7|–|10|mm|in|sp=us}} in diameter.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=|p=304}} The longitudinal stitching observed on the Mazarrón 1 planks, used thin ropes made of ] for waterproofing.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=305–307}} The ] consisted of nine incomplete strakes with widths ranging {{cvt|130|–|140|mm|in|sp=us}}, except for the eighth strake, which was wider and possibly reused from an earlier hull.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|p=303}} The four frames are cylindrical, made of crudely cut ] wood, {{cvt|60|–|80|mm|in|sp=us}} in diameter.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=307–308|p=}} A protective coating of pine tar covered the hull, applied internally and externally.{{Sfn|Cabrera Tejedor|2018|pp=304, 311|p=}}

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}} It is possibly the earliest discovered Phoenician vessel from the 7th century BCE 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 22:27, 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. In July 1991, the remains of a first wooden vessel, dubbed Mazarrón I, was identified. Between 1988 and 1995, excavation and fieldwork activities at Playa de la Isla were direcrted by archaeologist Juan Pinedo Reyes. Between October 1993 and June 1995, the Mazarrón I wreck underwent systematic surveying and documentation as part of the "Nave Fenicia" project. In 1994, the remains of a second shipwreck, later named Mazarrón II, were discovered. and kept in situ. In 1995, the remains of the Mazarrón 1 hull were recovered, followed in September 2024 by the remains of Mazarrón II, which were raised from the seabed after years of study.

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 Mediterranean tapeweed, which had sealed the ship and allowed for its preservation. The Mazarrón I shipwreck was discovered in an incomplete state, but with relatively well-preserved timber components. The surviving remains include a nearly complete keel, nine incomplete planking strakes, and four incomplete and fragmented frames. Unlike the hull of Mazarrón II, that of Mazarrón I featured meticulous longitudinal stitching along the seams in addition to the pegged mortise-and-tenon fasteners.

The keel of Mazarrón I, was nearly intact but degraded at the aft end, measured 3.98 meters (13.1 ft) in length. Its wood was identified as Mediterranean cypress which was mistakenly described as cedar in earlier excavation reports. The keel had a distinctive T-shaped scarf connecting it to the stem, employing two perpendicular tenons—one horizontal and one vertical—for stability under vertical stress. The aft end of the keel likely featured a similar scarf, though damage obscured confirmation. Mazarrón I features hybrid shipbuilding techniques; the strakes were fastened combining pegged mortise-and-tenon joints and sewn seams. These mortises were approximately 30–36 mm (1.2–1.4 in), 9–10 mm (0.35–0.39 in) thick, and 60–80 mm (2.4–3.1 in) deep. Tenons were tightly fitted, with cylindrical pegs 7–10 mm (0.28–0.39 in) in diameter. The longitudinal stitching observed on the Mazarrón 1 planks, used thin ropes made of esparto grass for waterproofing. The planking consisted of nine incomplete strakes with widths ranging 130–140 mm (5.1–5.5 in), except for the eighth strake, which was wider and possibly reused from an earlier hull. The four frames are cylindrical, made of crudely cut fig wood, 60–80 mm (2.4–3.1 in) in diameter. A protective coating of pine tar covered the hull, applied internally and externally.

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. It is possibly the earliest discovered Phoenician vessel from the 7th century BCE 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. La Razon editorial 2009.
  5. ^ Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 300–301.
  6. ^ Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021a.
  7. ^ Vadillo 2024.
  8. ^ Carvajal 2017.
  9. ^ Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 302.
  10. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 304–306.
  11. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 304.
  12. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 305–307.
  13. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 303.
  14. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 307–308.
  15. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 304, 311.
  16. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021b.
  17. Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática 2018.
  18. Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón. Concejalía de Turismo. 2015.
  19. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021c.
  20. M.A. 2021.
  21. McGeer 2024.

Sources

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