shipwreck

A remarkable 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Croatia has revealed an unprecedented story of ancient maritime maintenance. The Ilovik-Paržine 1 wreck, which sank during the Roman Republic era, has provided archaeologists with the first detailed evidence of how ancient shipbuilders kept their vessels seaworthy during long voyages across the Mediterranean. Through innovative molecular and pollen analysis, researchers have uncovered a complex history of repairs that rewrites our understanding of ancient naval technology. The wreck was initially discovered in 2016, resting just four meters below the surface of the Adriatic Sea near the island of Ilovik. The merchant vessel, dating to the mid-second century BC, was carrying a cargo of timber logs and amphorae when it met its