A handcrafted boat wreck approximately 3,000 years old is set to be salvaged off the coast of Zambratija Bay, Croatia, for scientists to conduct further research.
The oldest handcrafted boat in the Mediterranean, dating from the 12th to the 10th century BCE, has been named Zambratija, as reported by Ancient Origins on June 16. The boat measures about 12 meters in length, with 7 meters exceptionally well-preserved despite the passage of thousands of years. The vessel is constructed from numerous wooden pieces sewn together intricately with flexible strands.
Divers inspecting the Zambratija boat off the Mediterranean coast. Croatia. (Photo: Philippe Groscaux/Mission Adriboats/CNRS/CCJ).
This boat-building technique was used worldwide before the advent of metal fasteners. Even after metal fasteners became available, ancient peoples continued to use sewing techniques to construct smaller boats for some time. Zambratija is a “rare” example of the ancient boat-building tradition of Istria and Dalmatia, two regions along 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 vessel from the water’s surface. Ultimately, the decision was made for a team of divers to salvage parts of the boat from Zambratija Bay on July 2.
After retrieving the wreckage, a team of scientists from the Camille Jullian Center (CCJ) and the Istria Archaeological Museum will recreate the boat in 3D. Following this, they will identify the type of thread used for sewing and study the techniques that shaped the wood.
“Handling heritage of such significance is a delicate task. Therefore, every stage of this process requires utmost care,” stated CNRS.
Upon completion of the inspection processes, the special boat will undergo a de-salting procedure in Croatia. Subsequently, the vessel is expected to be transported to Grenoble, France, for restoration at the Arc-Nucléart workshop. Experts hope that once fully restored, Zambratija will be displayed in the city of Pula, Istria, in a museum dedicated to maritime heritage.
