The Oldest Hand-sewn Boat Wreck in the Mediterranean to Resurface

An ancient marvel is set to emerge from the depths of Croatia’s waters in the Mediterranean. Meet the Zambratija boat, a remarkable testament to maritime history that has defied the ravages of time. With seven of its twelve meters exquisitely preserved, this awe-inspiring vessel holds the key to unlocking centuries-old mysteries. Dating back to a time between the end of the 12th and the end of the 10th century BC, it proudly holds the title of the oldest entirely hand-sewn boat in the Mediterranean. Now, a skilled Franco-Croatian team from the Centre Camille Jullian and the Archaeological Museum of Istria are embarking on an extraordinary operation to lift this this rare relic of ancient shipbuilding traditions from the water and explore it in detail.

A press release by CNRS explains how on the 2nd of July 2023, a team of divers will embark on a daring mission in the picturesque bay of Zambratija, carefully removing sections of the boat. These precious fragments will then find their place in a custom support, paving the way for the meticulous reconstruction of the boat in stunning 3D detail. Through this ambitious endeavor, the scientists aim to unveil the boat’s construction date, identify the fibers employed for sewing, and unravel the secrets of wood shaping techniques used by our ancestors.