Multianalytical approach to the exceptional Late Roman shipwreck of Ses Fontanelles (Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain)

• DOI: 10.1007/s12520-024-01952-3
• Publication Date: 2024-03-21T10:01:58Z
• Authors: Miguel Ángel Cau-...; Darío Bernal-Casa...; Alessandra Pecci; Leandro Fantuzzi; Llorenç Picornell...; Alejandro Valenzu...; José Alberto Reta...; José Luis Portill...; Jaume Cardell Per...; Sebastià Munar Ll...; Carlos de Juan Fu...; Enrique García Riaza
• Keywords: Peninsula; Balearic islands; Marine conservation; Paleoethnobotany

Abstract The paper presents the results of an interim analytical approach to Late Roman shipwreck Ses Fontanelles recently found in island Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain). excellent state preservation hull and cargo, including amphorae with painted inscriptions ( tituli picti ), its location shallow waters offshore one main touristic beaches makes this a unique finding Mediterranean. A first season excavations study cargo triggered solve some problems pose by archaeological research, mainly related possible origin vessel. strategy combines petrographic analysis for provenance amphorae, archaeozoology residue identify their content, wood plant remains understand use vegetal resources shipbuilding stow cargo. combination analysis, ichthyofauna organic suggest that boat probably departed from area Cartagena southeastern part Iberian Peninsula, carrying fish sauce liquaminis flos oil, wine (probably also olives preserved grape derivatives), transported three types amphorae. shows, as known shipbuilding, clear selection forest resources. shipbuilders used pine longitudinal parts hull, while small pieces assemblage system (pegged, mortise tenons) subjected great stress they selected harder woods Cupressaceae, Olea europaea , Laurus nobilis . In addition, reveals branches Vitis vinifera, but other herbaceous plants were dunnage protecting during journey. help shed light into different aspects vessel sunk Mallorcan contributes show benefit applying sciences maritime archaeology.