Ethan Carter
In Pliny the Elder’s Natural History, the renowned Roman scholar detailed how the vast Roman Empire utilized a distinctive organic mixture to ensure their boats remained waterproof. By examining an unusual find from a 2,200-year-old shipwreck, researchers have not only confirmed Pliny’s observations but also revealed that Roman shipbuilders likely engaged in ongoing refurbishments of their vessels during voyages to maintain their integrity and functionality.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Materials illustrates how an analysis of trapped pollen from the Roman shipwreck, designated as Ilovik-Paržine 1, has unveiled critical insights into the composition and origins of ancient waterproof coating materials. Given that organic materials tend to degrade over time, it posed a significant challenge for naval archaeologists aiming to fully understand ancient shipbuilding techniques. To address these challenges effectively, the research team implemented a comprehensive interdisciplinary analysis that merged archaeology, chemistry, and palynology, the study of pollen grains.
The findings confirmed not only the advanced waterproofing methods employed by Roman shipbuilders but also the practice of regularly refurbishing ships with additional coatings, ensuring their longevity and performance at sea.
According to study co-authors Armelle Charrié and Quentin Couillebault, who communicated with Gizmodo via email, “This approach allows us to investigate potential variations related to functional or technical differences or even to repair phases in the application of waterproofing materials.” This methodological framework aims to produce more robust interpretations and expand the range of hypotheses surrounding ancient naval practices.
Delving into the Mysteries of an Ancient Shipwreck
Initially uncovered in 2016, Ilovik-Paržine 1 has been subjected to thorough investigations. These studies primarily focused on the vessel’s structural design and overall age. During these explorations, researchers identified a substantial layer of organic adhesive coating both on the hull’s exterior and interior, as highlighted in the study.
“The study of organic archaeomaterials is gaining traction, as they are rich in vital and unprecedented information,” explained Charrié and Couillebault, esteemed bioarchaeologists associated with the University of Strasbourg and Aix-Marseille University in France. “These materials provide insights into various domains such as clothing, burial practices, dietary habits, domestic life, and manufacturing techniques of the populations being studied.”
However, organic materials are seldom preserved over the ages. Thus, the residual coating offered researchers a rare and invaluable opportunity to analyze ancient ship coatings, a subject Charrié had previously explored in other shipwreck contexts.
Unraveling the Significance of Pollen and zopissa
In discussions with Gizmodo, the researchers emphasized the specific roles played by various disciplines in their study. Palynology, which seeks out pollen grains trapped during the manufacturing or application of the coating, provided insights into the timing and locations of waterproof repairs. Meanwhile, chemical analysis established the molecular signature corresponding to zopissa, a blend of pine tar and beeswax described by Pliny the Elder.
This led to the discovery of a remarkably sophisticated shipbuilding methodology. For instance, the inclusion of zopissa with its beeswax and tar composition enhanced the flexibility of the adhesive. The pollen embedded within the layers of zopissa was traced back to a wide range of environments, encompassing dense forests populated by holly oak, pine, olive, and hazel, as well as areas near water sources. This overlapping information enabled the team to construct a more complete picture of the diverse locations the ship likely navigated before its eventual sinking.
Gleaning Insights into the Lives of Ancient Sailors
These groundbreaking findings provided the research team with critical insights into broader cultural practices prevalent in the region. The analysis of the samples revealed four to five distinct phases of coating, applied at different times and locations. This data allowed researchers to reconstruct a plausible navigation route around the Adriatic Sea for the vessel, pinpointing when and where it underwent repairs and recoating.
Furthermore, the oldest archaeological evidence of zopissa usage can be traced back to the late 7th century BCE, aligning with an “archaic Greek tradition,” as noted by Charrié and Couillebault in their correspondence with Gizmodo. This suggests a profound exchange of technical knowledge and technological transfer phenomena throughout the Mediterranean basin, highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient cultures.
Daniel Mercer
