Wreck of the Mediterranean's oldest hand-sewn boat recovered

A 3,000-year-old hand-sewn boat is set to be recovered off the coast of Zambratija Bay, Croatia, so scientists can study it further.

Divers inspect the Zambratija boat off the Mediterranean coast of Croatia. Photo: Philippe Groscaux/Mission Adriboats/CNRS/CCJ

The oldest hand-sewn boat in the Mediterranean Sea, dating from the 12th to 10th centuries BC, has been named the Zambratija, Ancient Origins reported on June 16. The boat is about 12 meters long, of which 7 meters are extremely well preserved, despite the thousands of years that have passed. The boat is made of many pieces of wood that are delicately sewn together with flexible fibers.

This boat-building technique was used in many parts of the world before the advent of metal fasteners. Even after the advent of metal fasteners, ancient people continued to use the sewing technique to build small boats for some time. Zambratija is a “rare” example of an ancient boat-building tradition from Istria and Dalmatia, two regions on the Croatian coast, according to the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

The Zambratija boat was discovered by a fisherman in 2014. Since then, researchers have been considering the possibility of raising the boat from the water. Finally, the decision was made that a team of divers will recover the boat's parts from Zambratija Bay on July 2.

After recovering the fragments, a team of scientists from the Camille Jullian Center (CCJ) and the Istrian Archaeological Museum will reconstruct the boat in 3D. Next, they will identify the type of thread used for stitching and study the techniques used to shape the wood.

"Dealing with heritage of such importance is a delicate task. Every stage of the process therefore requires the utmost care," said CNRS.

Once the inspections are complete, the special boat will undergo desalination in Croatia. Next, it is expected to be taken to Grenoble, France, for restoration by the Arc-Nucléart workshop. Once fully restored, experts hope that the Zambratija will be displayed in the city of Pula, Istria, in a museum dedicated to its maritime heritage.

Thu Thao (According to Ancient Origins )

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