Archaeologists have successfully completed the extraction of the ancient Phoenician vessel known as 'Mazarrón II' from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Murcia, Spain. The extraction phase, initiated on September 13, concluded on November 7 after 40 days of meticulous work to ensure the safe recovery of each fragment, according to La Razón.
The salvage operation was led by archaeologist Carlos de Juan from the University of Valencia, with the participation of 14 specialists in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, as reported by El Cronista [https://www.cronista.com/espana/actualidad-es/este-hallazgo-ubicado-a-tan-solo-dos-metros-de-profundidad-y-a-60-metros-de-una-playa-urbanizada/]. De Juan expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, "It has been delicate work, but mechanical. Slow, but equivalent to what the team had already done before in other scenarios of extracting archaeological remains," according to El Cronista.
The 'Mazarrón II,' a 2,600-year-old Phoenician ship measuring approximately 8.10 meters in length and 2.25 meters in beam, was discovered in 1995 near La Isla beach in Mazarrón. It is exceptional as one of the few complete Phoenician ships found to date, offering an invaluable source of knowledge about Phoenician navigation and shipbuilding techniques, as noted by La Razón.
Concerns over the ship's preservation prompted the extraction. In 2022, a commission of experts from UNESCO confirmed that 'Mazarrón II' was at risk of disappearing if it remained underwater, as reported by EL PAÍS. The vessel had been protected by a metal cover and sand since 2000 to ensure its conservation, but changes in the seabed due to coastal developments compromised its stability.
The recovery involved disassembling the ship underwater into 22 pieces, utilizing existing fissures and cracks in the wood. Each fragment was carefully fixed to supports, or "cradles," designed to match the ship's geometry, ensuring safe extraction and transfer to the laboratory, according to El Mundo. "The ship has now the consistency of a cake: it can stand if lying down but crumbles if we tilt it a little," De Juan described to El Mundo.
Once extracted, the wooden pieces were transferred to the ARQUAtec laboratory at the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Cartagena, where they will undergo a lengthy conservation process expected to last at least four years, as stated by EL PAÍS. The process includes desalination, treatment with special resins to fill cellular cavities, and lyophilization, which freezes the wood and removes water without causing deformation.
During the recovery, archaeologists located a unique anchor composed of wood with a box filled with lead, a typology of which only two other examples exist in the world, as reported by El Cronista. "The anchor is unique," De Juan explained to Münchner Merkur.
The significance of 'Mazarrón II' lies not only in its preservation but also in the insights it provides into ancient maritime practices. The ship's intact carpentry offers researchers the opportunity to study construction techniques that have remained mysterious for centuries, according to LBV Magazine English Edition. Preliminary analyses identified a combination of typically Phoenician techniques and elements adapted to local conditions.
The endeavor has been a collaborative effort involving regional and national authorities. Carmen María Conesa, the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Region of Murcia, emphasized the teamwork over the years to recover the wreck. "It is one of the most important whole ancient ships found in the world, and therefore, it is a heritage of all citizens," Conesa stated, according to EL PAÍS.
Looking ahead, the restoration and study of 'Mazarrón II' are anticipated to enhance understanding of Phoenician navigation and cultural interactions in the Mediterranean. The vessel's construction showcases the Phoenicians' ability to adapt and integrate external influences without losing their identity, as noted by LBV Magazine English Edition. The findings may transform understanding of ancient Mediterranean navigation and trade.
Once the conservation process is complete, the ship is expected to be exhibited, providing the public with a rare glimpse into the maritime history of the Phoenicians. "UNESCO says that the place for treasures like this is in museums, for the public. I believe it too," De Juan added, as reported by El Mundo.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.