A remarkable find has surfaced in Spain: the remnants of a shipwreck dating back centuries. It was unearthed in the unassuming location of the former fish market, known as Mercat del Pex, in Barcelona.
This discovery occurred between April 10 and April 15, according to the Barcelona Institute of Culture (ICUB). The wreck, dubbed Ciutadella I, dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and offers a glimpse into Barcelona’s rich maritime past.
The announcement highlighted that the construction of the city’s first artificial dock since 1439 changed the coastal dynamics, leading to the disappearance of a protective sandbar, TASCA, which had safeguarded the coastline for ages.
Changes in the coast, specifically due to the mouth of the Besos River combined with coastal erosion and storms, have significantly altered the ancient marine landscape.
ICUB detailed that the ship’s main structure resembles a “skeleton,” measuring about 32 feet in length and 10 feet in width, made from 30 curved wooden trees. Additionally, at least seven stakes were identified on the hull, which are affixed using wooden pegs in a circular manner—an interesting insight into construction techniques of that era.
Moreover, two longitudinal sections secured by iron claws have also survived the test of time. This ‘skeleton construction’ method is typical in medieval Mediterranean shipbuilding and gained traction throughout Europe from the mid-15th century.
Researchers are excitedly examining organic materials found among the shipwrecks, including hazelnut seeds and pine cones, which might help establish a timeline for the ship’s contents.
However, there’s a catch. The ICUB has cautioned that the ship’s remains are currently in a rather precarious state. The wood is susceptible to degradation, which makes its preservation quite a feat.
The wreck will be moved to a facility dedicated to desalinating the wood to ensure its longevity.
“Wood, a common resource in historical shipbuilding, tends to degrade quickly when exposed to air,” the organization explained. They noted that the waterlogged wood is delicate and must remain partially covered with the original sand to keep it from drying out.
The Catalonian Archaeological Museum, also known as CASC, is actively involved in documenting and preserving this remarkable structure.
Additional tasks will include thorough 3D documentation, sampling, marking, and preparations for moving the ship in a specially designed water-filled container.
The treatment and preservation of this wreck not only contribute to our understanding of navigation and shipbuilding in the 15th and 16th centuries but also hold significant archaeological value.
