The deep sea has surrendered a treasure trove of history, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman trade during Late Antiquity. A meticulously preserved shipwreck, christened Ses Fontanelles after its discovery site near Mallorca in 2019, has undergone in-depth analysis, revealing a wealth of information.
The exceptional condition of the shipwreck, found a mere 65 meters from a bustling tourist beach, has made it an archaeologist’s dream. Researchers employed a multi-faceted approach to unlock the secrets held within the vessel’s hull and cargo.
Amphorae, ceramic jars used for transporting goods, dominated the recovered artifacts. Through meticulous petrographic analysis, researchers were able to pinpoint the origin of these amphorae – the Cartagena region in southeastern Spain. This suggests the ship likely embarked on its journey from this port city.
Chemical analysis of residues clinging to the amphorae walls painted a vivid picture of the ship’s cargo. Fish sauce, a staple Roman condiment, emerged as a key commodity. Interestingly, the analysis distinguished between “liquamen,” a specific type of fish sauce, and the more familiar “garum.” While both were used to enhance Roman cuisine, liquamen appears to have been the prevalent choice in this instance. Researchers believe anchovies were the primary ingredient, with occasional inclusions of sardines.
But the bounty wasn’t limited to fishy delights. Olive oil and wine, mainstays of the Mediterranean diet, were also found aboard, nestled within separate amphorae.
However, the most captivating discovery was a previously unknown type of amphora, christened Ses Fontanelles I after the shipwreck site. This newly identified vessel was larger and heavier than its counterparts, designed specifically for transporting plant oils.
The amphorae themselves weren’t merely containers – they served as silent storytellers. Painted inscriptions, known as “tituli picti,” adorned some of the vessels. These inscriptions provided crucial details about the origin of the goods, their contents, and even the identities of the producers – a testament to the meticulous record-keeping practices of the era.
The analysis also shed light on the ship’s construction. Archaeologists identified a combination of hard woods like juniper, olive, and laurel used for the assembly, while pine formed the core structure. Interestingly, vine branches and other plant material served as fillers, acting as a protective cushion for the cargo during its voyage.
The exceptional preservation of the Ses Fontanelles shipwreck, along with the wealth of information gleaned from its cargo and inscribed amphorae, sets it apart from other Mediterranean discoveries. This Roman time capsule offers invaluable insights into the trade dynamics of Late Antiquity, providing a window into the lives and commercial practices of people who sailed these ancient seas nearly two millennia ago.
The ongoing research on the Ses Fontanelles shipwreck promises to unveil even more secrets about Roman trade routes, dietary habits, and shipbuilding techniques. As archaeologists delve deeper into this remarkable find, the captivating story of this Roman vessel continues to unfold.