Artifacts > Kizilburun column wreck

Kizilburun column wreck

Background

Summary of "The Hull Remains of the Late Hellenistic Shipwreck at Kizilburun, Turkey"

Introduction

The thesis investigates the hull remains of a Late Hellenistic shipwreck discovered at Kizilburun, Turkey, focusing on the construction of stone transport vessels. It provides an analysis of the wooden hull remains and copper fasteners from the ship.

Discovery and Dating

The Kizilburun shipwreck was first discovered in 1993 during an INA survey along the western Turkish coast. It dates back to the late second or early first century BCE, based on ceramic evidence and the primary cargo of marble architectural elements from Proconnesus.

Excavation Seasons

• 2005 Season: Initial excavation revealed non-ferrous metal nails and small wood fragments. The positioning of nails suggested a typical Graeco-Roman construction.
• 2006 Season: More hull remains were found, including thin planking and large anchor-related artifacts. Some column drums were removed to expose the hull beneath.
• 2007 Season: The removal of remaining drums revealed more timber fragments and sections of the hull.
• 2008 Season: Focused on cataloging and recording the wood remains, uncovering around 165 hull fragments.
• 2009 Season: Confirmed the discovery of the ship's keel and additional hull fragments.
• 2010 Season: Re-examined previously recorded remains to gather more detailed information.

Methodologies

The site was excavated using a combination of airlifts and hand-fanning. Timbers were mapped and recorded using photogrammetry, control points, and 3D imaging software. Detailed examination and cataloging of the wood remains were conducted in the laboratory.

The Wooden Hull Remains

The study details the various parts of the ship's hull, including the keel, frames, hull planking, and ceiling planking. The keel was found to be in a fragmentary state, requiring careful reconstruction and recording. Frames and planks showed signs of typical Graeco-Roman construction with pegged mortise-and-tenon joinery.

Fasteners

The thesis categorizes the copper fasteners found at the site, analyzing their ferro-magnetism and elemental composition. It also discusses the presence of plug treenails and the implications for the ship's construction techniques.

Timber Reconstructions and Hull Dimensions

Reconstructed timbers were used to estimate the ship's dimensions and construction methods. Comparisons with contemporaneous vessels were made to contextualize the Kizilburun ship within historical and technological frameworks.

Conclusions

The study provides valuable insights into the construction and function of stone transport ships in the Late Hellenistic period. It emphasizes the need for further research and comparative analysis to enhance understanding of ancient maritime technology.

Artifacts Found in the Kızılburun Shipwreck

Introduction

The Kızılburun shipwreck, dating to the late Hellenistic period, was discovered off the coast of Turkey. It has provided a wealth of artifacts that offer insights into ancient maritime trade and ship construction.

Primary Cargo

• Marble Column Drums: The primary cargo consisted of eight large, roughly finished marble column drums and a single Doric capital, believed to be intended for a monumental structure .
• Gravestones and Basins: Subsidiary cargo included marble gravestones and basins, suggesting the ship was transporting a diverse load of stone artifacts .

Amphorae

• Lamboglia 2 Amphorae: Several Lamboglia 2 amphorae were found in association with the shipwreck, dating the ship to the late second or early first century BCE .

Metal Artifacts

• Non-Ferrous Metal Nails: Over 250 non-ferrous metal nails were discovered, indicating the use of bronze or copper in the ship's construction. These nails were primarily found adjacent to the marble drums .
• Iron Artifacts: A few iron artifacts were recovered, although iron was not extensively used in the ship's construction due to its highly corrosive nature in seawater .

Other Finds

• Anchor: A heavy lead anchor stock was located on the upslope portion of the wreck, suggesting its role in the ship's mooring system .
• Wooden Hull Fragments: Numerous fragments of the wooden hull were recovered, allowing for detailed reconstruction and analysis of the ship's structure .
• Fasteners: Various copper and bronze fasteners were cataloged, providing insight into the shipbuilding techniques of the period .

Artifacts' Preservation and Analysis

• Preservation: The artifacts were remarkably well-preserved due to the depth of the site and the protective layer of sediments. This preservation has allowed for extensive study and analysis of the ship's construction and cargo.
• Elemental Analysis: Elemental analysis of the metal artifacts was performed to determine their composition and origin, aiding in the understanding of ancient metallurgical practices .

Conclusion

The artifacts found in the Kızılburun shipwreck provide a comprehensive view of the ship's construction, cargo, and the broader context of Hellenistic maritime trade. The marble cargo, metal fasteners, and other finds collectively highlight the technological and commercial capabilities of the period.

Sources

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