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Phoenician shipwrecks of Mazarrón

Reconstruction of the Phoenician shipwreck Mazarron II in the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology of Cartagena (ARQUA).
Shown within Spain
Location	Playa de la Isla , off the coast of Mazarron, Sapin
Coordinates	37°33′36″N 1°16′03″W / 37.55986117792037°N 1.267502869855769°W / 37.55986117792037; -1.267502869855769
Type	Site of a sunken ship
History
Founded	7th century BC
Abandoned	7th century BC
Periods	Iron Age
Cultures	Phoenician, Iberian
Site notes
Discovered	1988 (Mazarrón I) 1994 (Mazarrón II)
Condition	Conserved at the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena
Ownership	Spain

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.

In 2009, the Centro de Interpretación del Barco Fenicio del Puerto de Mazarrón (Interpretation Center of the Phoenician Ship of the Port of Mazarrón) was inaugurated. It serves as a center for learning, offering visitors insights into the historical and cultural significance of the Phoenician ships Mazarrón I and Mazarrón II.

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 I hull were recovered, followed in September 2024 by the remains of Mazarrón II, which were raised from the seabed after years of study.

In June 2009, the Centro de Interpretación del Barco Fenicio del Puerto de Mazarrón, was inaugurated . This museum is dedicated to showcasing the history and significance of the Phoenician ships Mazarrón I and Mazarrón II, it features audiovisual exhibits, models, and educational displays contextualizing the Phoenician presence in the region​.

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. According to modern reconstructions, the ship measured 8.2–2.2 m (26.9–7.2 ft), and was around one meter (3.3 ft) deep.

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 I 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.

Mazarrón II

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. 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.

Cargo

Over 7,300 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.

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.

Function and interpretation

According to Spanish maritime archeologist Carlos Cabrera Tejedor, the Mazarrón I shipwreck combines pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery with longitudinal stitching. Tenons were spaced closer in lower hull sections and wider in upper sections, where stitching was used to fasten planks and ensure watertight seams. The stitching involved thin ropes secured in grooves and required thousands of holes to install. While mortise-and-tenon joinery alone could create a watertight hull, the stitching may have been a conservative measure or an integral design feature to strengthen the structure. The absence of stitching in areas above the waterline and its durability under stress indicate it was used to maintain hull integrity, reflecting a mix of Phoenician shipbuilding knowhow and local Iberian stitching techniques.

The Mazarrón I was a trade vessel, likely propelled by both a mast and square sail as well as oars. With a shallow draft and light, maneuverable hull, it was suited for coastal, riverine, and wetland navigation rather than open-sea voyages, and could carry up to 4 tonnes (8,800 lb) of cargo. The ship was found in a Phoenician context on the Iberian Peninsula, and likely served a Phoenician commercial enterprise. Evidence of integration Phoenician shipbuilding technology, like the pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery with indigenous plank stitching technique, suggests it was constructed in Iberia.

Dating

The Mazarrón boats are dated to the second half of the 7th century BC based on archaeological evidence. Surveys at the Playa de la Isla site recovered more than 7,300 pottery sherds, 70–80% of which were Phoenician. These Phoenician ceramics displayed a consistent chronology from the second half of the 7th century BC, with no sherds definitively belonging to earlier or later centuries. Radiocarbon dating of wood samples from Mazarrón II timbers aligns with these findings. Further refinement of Mazarrón II's date, based on an on-board Trayamar-1 amphora used for storing fresh water, suggests a range of 625–570 BC. Another analysis proposes a slightly later date within the first third of the 6th century BC.

Gallery

• Reconstruction of the Phoenician Ship Mazarrón II
• Original remains of the Mazarrón I wreck.
• Phoenician ring from the Mazarrón II wreck.
• 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. ^ Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 300–301.
5. ^ Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021a.
6. ^ Vadillo 2024.
7. GuiasMy 2024.
8. La Razon editorial 2009.
9. ^ Carvajal 2017.
10. ^ Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 302.
11. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 320.
12. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 304–306.
13. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 304.
14. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 305–307.
15. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 303.
16. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 307–308.
17. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 304, 311.
18. Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón. Concejalía de Turismo. 2015.
19. M.A. 2021.
20. McGeer 2024.
21. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021b.
22. Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática 2018.
23. Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España 2021c.
24. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 313–316, 320–321.
25. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, pp. 320–321.
26. Cabrera Tejedor 2018, p. 319.

Sources

• Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón (2004). "Barcos Fenicios" [Phoenician ships]. Ayutamiento de Mazarron (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 12 December 2009.
• Ayuntamiento de Mazarrón. Concejalía de Turismo. (2015). "Barco Fenicio de Mazarrón". Visit Mazarrón. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021.
• Cabrera Tejedor, Carlos (2018). "The Mazarrón 1 Shipwreck: an iron-age boat with unique features from the Iberian Peninsula". International Journal of Nautical Archaeology. 47 (2): 300–324. doi:10.1111/1095-9270.12318. ISSN 1095-9270.
• Carvajal, Guillermo (2017-06-13). "El barco fenicio de Mazarrón, la nave antigua más completa encontrada en el Mediterráneo". La Brújula Verde (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-30.
• M.A. (2021-03-11). "El barco fenicio de Mazarrón será extraído y expuesto en Cartagena". Diario ABC (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-11-30. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
• McGeer, Catherine (2024-09-19). "Historic day for Murcia: Mazarrón shipwreck recovered: Mazarrón Phoenician shipwreck recovered". Euro Weekly News. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
• Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España (2021a). "Barco Mazarrón 1" [Mazarrón 1 Ship]. cultura.gob.es. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
• Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España (2021b). "Escarabeo" [The Scarab]. cultura.gob.es. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
• Ministerio de Cultura - Gobierno de España (2021c). "Barco Mazarrón 2" [Mazarrón 2 ship]. cultura.gob.es. Archived from the original on 16 November 2024. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
• GuiasMy (2024). "Centro de Interpretación del Barco Fenicio (Mazarrón)". MyMurcia (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 1 December 2024.
• Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática (2018). "7 - Hallazgos curiosos" [Curious findings]. Conservación y Restauración del Patrimonio Subacuático [Conservation and Restoration of Underwater Heritage] (in Spanish). Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática.
• La Razon editorial (2009-06-22). "Cruz alaba el Centro de Interpretación del Barco Fenicio del Puerto de Mazarrón" [Cruz praises the Phoenician Ship of Puerto de Mazarrón Research Center]. www.larazon.es (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
• Región de Murcia Digital (2015). "Playa de la Isla". www.regmurcia.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
• Vadillo, Virginia (2024-07-02). "Una embarcación fenicia de 2.600 años de antigüedad hallada en Mazarrón saldrá del mar en septiembre". El País (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-07-02.

• Archaeological sites in the Region of Murcia
• Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean Sea
• Phoenician shipwrecks