An 18th-century shipwreck was accidentally discovered near the majestic stone walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The remains of the boat in Dubrovnik's old port have been protected for further examination, according to CBS News.
In April, local builder and diver from Dubrovnik, Ivan Bukelić, found the shipwreck while working on a water pipeline in the old port. He discovered a wooden structure partially buried about 60 to 80 centimeters (23 to 31 inches) beneath the seabed. "I can now say I discovered a boat at the Old Town Dubrovnik," Bukelić said, expressing pride in his discovery, according to CBS News.
Marine archaeologist Irena Radić Rossi commented on the importance of the find. "We still cannot speak of the type of vessel or its dimensions, but we can say for certain, based on the results of radiocarbon analysis, that it was from the late 18th century," she said. "We must protect it for the future," she added, emphasizing the importance of preservation. Radić Rossi noted that the goal is to continue the research in cooperation with Croatia's Ministry of Culture.
The sunken vessel lies buried beneath the sea bottom. The discovery marks the second time this month that authorities have announced a chance finding of a centuries-old shipwreck in Europe. Just weeks ago, archaeologists discovered what they believe are the remains of a 16th-century merchant ship more than 1.5 miles underwater off southern France.
Dubrovnik, known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, emerged in the 7th century as a strategic enclave over the remains of the ancient Epidaurum. The city was a key trading port on the Adriatic Sea during medieval times and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to UNESCO, Dubrovnik became an important Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards, reaching its peak in the 14th and 15th centuries. The number of official ships increased from a few dozen to more than 200 galleons by the mid-16th century.
In addition to its maritime prowess, Dubrovnik promoted active land trade with Bosnia and Serbia, as well as with Italy, Sicily, Syria, and Egypt. Caravan routes supplied the city with minerals, wool, salt, and other products. By 1485, the construction of the breakwater Kaše optimized the conditions of the port, further enhancing Dubrovnik's maritime capabilities.
Despite being severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, which destroyed much of the city and claimed thousands of lives, Dubrovnik was able to preserve its ancient churches, palaces, and fountains and reinvented itself afterward. The city consolidated its defensive apparatus with the construction of walls, towers, and forts that outline the iconic image of the city today. These fortifications, culminating in a double wall nearly 1,940 meters in length and up to 25 meters high, effectively protected against invaders.
Dubrovnik was also a pioneer in social and health policies. In 1317, a public pharmacy existed in the Franciscan monastery, one of the oldest in Europe. The city implemented urban drainage systems and built the first public baths and safe sanitary facilities in Europe. In 1416, Dubrovnik abolished slavery, reflecting its progressive values.
Today, Dubrovnik attracts huge crowds of tourists, especially during the summer. It is renowned for serving as a primary filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones series, becoming an important setting for many scenes in the show. The city's well-preserved historic center remains a living witness to its maritime and intellectual past, recognized by UNESCO.
The preparation of this article relied on a news-analysis system.