Initial construction evidence of the Bou Ferrer shipwreck, a large vessel of the Early Roman Empire

Abstract

We present a basic summary of the research conducted on the Bou Ferrer shipwreck since 2006, which has provided interesting new data about a navis oneraria well dated to the second half of the 1st century AD. Despite that fact that only one major trench was excavated up until 2017, about 55 m2 of wooden structures in a good state of preservation have been revealed, providing information about her construction. There are construction elements that may be considered common for Roman Period wrecks, as well as others with fewer archaeological parallels. The presence of a double garboard is not unprecedented in the 1st century AD, but deserves further study. Many hull pieces, from the lower wale to another that we consider as an upper wale, are sufficient elements to propose a preliminary measurement of width amidships. These lines, combined with the stowed amphorae carrying fish sauces, open the possibility that a third perishable cargo might also have been transported.