Sat, Nov 21 2009

Ancient boat salvaged near Sozopol

Sat, Nov 29 2008 17:36 CET 365 Views

Bulgarian fishermen have found an ancient fishing boat in the Gulf of Sozopol on November 28, Dnevnik daily reported. The boat was found during a routine fishing trip and was taken to Sozopol's archaeological museum.

Apparently made of oak wood, the boat was built using metal tools, which made it unlikely to be dating back to pre-historic times, the museum curator Dimitar Nedev said.

About 70cm wide, 60cm tall and 1.2m long, the age of the boat was initially dated as between the Roman period and the fourth century CE, which would make it one of the oldest surviving boats in history.

The explanation, according to Dnevnik, is that the high amount of hydrogen sulfide in the Black Sea prevents timber decay. When taken into the air, rapid oxidation can destroy the timber, but the fishermen had prevented the process by filling the boat with sea water.

Write comment

Name:Comment:

Generate new code
Send your comment
Bulgarian-British archaeological research project along Lower Danube river green-lighted

Joint Bulgarian and British archaeological research along the lower Danube river has been green-lighted by the Bulgarian Government.

More in this category

Winter approaches

The charm of Bulgarian village life

Summit of power

Some places are more famous for their behind closed doors conferences than they are in their own right

The foster care alternative

Foster parenting has its place in Bulgaria

Monkey business

Bright colours, individual care and a rounded programme of extracurricular activities make this Lozenets-based kindergarten one of Sofia’s best

Home alone?

The International Women's Club (IWC) assists foreigners’ wives and supports worthy causes through events like its annual festive season charity bazaar