Kizilburun shipwreck

The Kizilburun shipwreck (meaning "Crimson Cape") was discovered in 1993 by Dr. Cemal Pulak off the coast of Turkey, southwest of İzmir. On the seafloor was one Lamboglia 2 amphora and several column drums. By dating these artifacts, scientists believe that the wreck dates to the second or first century B.C.

In 2001, on a return visit to the site, divers discovered other artifacts, such as black glaze bowls, oil lamps, transport amphorae and a copper handle, along with three more Lamboglia 2 amphorae. The column drums, eight in total, and the Doric column capital, however, are the most interesting artifacts on this wreck. The capital was unfinished and was perhaps intended for the building or repair of a temple or façade.

In August 2007, the third excavation of this site was completed. This wreck appears to be a representative example of ancient stone carriers. The Kizilburun shipwreck would seem to be part of Augustus’ plan to leave Rome, the city he found brick, a city of marble. This ship allows us today to form a picture of how these massive columns were transported from one place to another during the ancient times of history.

One of the main obstacles to overcome was exactly how to excavate the site and bring the drums (collectively 9 meters tall) to the surface. These column drums each weight too much to be brought to the surface easily. Eventually the column drums were brought up to the surface with balloons filled with air. The air allowed the drums to be raised with ease, despite their weight.

The main goal of the excavation of this wreck was to study the hull and how the column drums were loaded into this purpose-built ship.

References

* [http://cat.une.edu.au/page/kizilburun%20shipwreck Kızılburun shipwreck (İzmir)] , "Current Archeology in Turkey"
* [http://ina.tamu.edu/kizilburun/index.htm The Kızılburun Shipwreck]