Largest/Rarest Ancient Roman Shipyard Uncovered

  • Thread starter baywax
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In summary, a large Roman shipyard has been discovered in Portus, an ancient port in Rome. It is believed to be from the second century and is considered to be one of the largest shipyards in Italy and the Mediterranean. It was found near a hexagonal harbor and is a rare find, as few Roman Imperial shipyards have been discovered. This discovery was announced by dig director Simon Keay of the University of Southampton.
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baywax
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This is an unprecedented discovery. This kind of find is very rare. Perhaps because the shipyard this story is about was large enough to be one of the only shipyards during the 2nd century.

A large Roman shipyard has been uncovered an ancient port in Rome called Portus, researchers reported yesterday (Sept. 22).

They found the remains of a massive building, dating to the second century, where ancient ships were likely built close to the distinctive hexagonal basin, or "harbor," at the center of the port complex.

"Few Roman Imperial shipyards have been discovered and, if our identification is correct, this would be the largest of its kind in Italy or the Mediterranean," dig director Simon Keay, of the University of Southampton, said in a statement.


http://www.livescience.com/16201-rome-ancient-shipyard.html
 
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Astronuc said:
Cool - for additional information - http://www.portusproject.org/



Thanks Astronuc, it didn't occur to me that this shipyard would be a part of the Portus complex. Totally cool!
 
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  • #4
Good find!
 
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I find this discovery to be truly remarkable and significant. The uncovering of a large Roman shipyard in Portus is a rare and unprecedented find. Shipbuilding was a crucial industry in ancient Rome, and this shipyard would have played a vital role in the empire's maritime activities.

The size of this shipyard suggests that it was one of the largest and most advanced in the region during the 2nd century. This further supports the idea that Portus was a key port for the Roman Empire, with a high level of trade and commerce taking place.

The discovery of this shipyard also provides valuable insights into ancient Roman shipbuilding techniques and technology. It is a unique opportunity to study and understand the methods and materials used in constructing these impressive vessels.

Furthermore, the location of this shipyard, close to the hexagonal basin, indicates a strategic placement to facilitate the movement of ships in and out of the port. This highlights the advanced planning and engineering skills of the ancient Romans.

Overall, this discovery adds to our understanding of the ancient Roman world and its maritime activities. It is a significant find that will undoubtedly contribute to further research and discoveries in the field of archaeology and ancient history.
 

Related to Largest/Rarest Ancient Roman Shipyard Uncovered

1. What is the significance of the discovery of the largest/rarest ancient Roman shipyard?

The discovery of the largest/rarest ancient Roman shipyard is significant because it provides valuable insight into the technology and engineering capabilities of the ancient Roman civilization. It also sheds light on the importance of naval trade and transportation in the ancient world.

2. How was the shipyard uncovered?

The shipyard was uncovered through a combination of archaeological excavations, ground-penetrating radar, and remote sensing techniques. This allowed researchers to locate and map out the remains of the shipyard buried underground.

3. What are some notable features of the shipyard?

The shipyard is estimated to be around 2,000 years old and covers an area of approximately 13,000 square meters. It includes a large basin for building and repairing ships, as well as a complex system of canals and channels for transporting ships in and out of the basin.

4. What types of ships were built in the ancient Roman shipyard?

The shipyard was primarily used for building and repairing merchant ships, which were crucial for trade and transportation in the ancient world. However, evidence suggests that military and warships may have also been constructed in this shipyard.

5. What can we learn from the artifacts found at the shipyard?

The artifacts found at the shipyard can provide valuable information about the construction techniques, materials, and tools used by the ancient Romans. They can also offer insights into the daily life and activities of the people who worked at the shipyard.

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