PHOTOS: Rare 16th-century trumpets found in shipwreck in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
This year, underwater archaeologists from the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, under the leadership of Dr. Luka Bekić and Maja Kaleb, have been investigating an unidentified sailing shipwreck near Cape Franina.
It is believed that an English sailing ship, armed with iron cannons, sank in the Kvarner region in the late 16th century, likely due to an unexpected storm.
The ship was carrying pottery vessels, colorful glass beads, and red glass bowls.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
Significantly, the ship also had a valuable cargo of numerous brass trumpets, which were rare and costly at the time. Researchers from the UNESCO category 2 centre in Zadar identified inscriptions indicating that these trumpets originated from Strasbourg, France, and Leiden, the Netherlands.
Until now, no trumpets from these cities had been known or preserved. Recently, archaeologists discovered a well-preserved trumpet with the inscription LVGDVNY BATAVORVM, the Latin name for Leiden.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
This discovery, along with other cargo details, suggests that the ship was likely Dutch and engaged in trade between Leiden, Venice, and Constantinople. However, definitive conclusions require further analysis of the well-preserved remains and extensive archival research.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
Currently, underwater archaeologists from Zadar, along with members of the Pula Police Intervention Unit and collaborators from Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, and Spain, are examining the wooden ship structure.
They have also uncovered fragments of the ship’s equipment, such as wooden pulleys and ropes.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
On the seabed, iron cannons are being cleaned and documented, with advanced protective measures in place to prevent further deterioration.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
These efforts will help preserve the cannons and anchors for future tourist divers visiting this historically rich site. The research is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia.
(Photo credit: International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar)
