New type of amphorae was discovered in Roman shipwreck

A new type of amphora was discovered in the wreck of a Roman ship found off the coast of Majorca. The vessel remains are located 65 meters from the shore, near the capital of Majorca – Palma.

The ship dates back to the 4th century CE and probably travelled from Cartagena in southeastern Spain. Archaeologists found amphorae in the hold, some of which have inscriptions (tituli picti) painted on the outside. Subtitles provide information, among others: about the origin, purpose, type of product and owner of the goods – “Alunnius et Ausonius”.

A new type of amphora is the so-called Ses Fontanelles I, which is larger and heavier than other vessels of this type; Vegetable oil was transported in it.

The ship contained mainly amphorae with fish sauce (amphora type Almagro 51c), which came almost exclusively from European anchovy. Flat-bottomed amphorae of the Keay XIX type were also recorded.