< Fieldwork

AdriaS Case Study 6: Cape Glavat / Mljet

Remains of the 1st c. AD merchantman, with cargo of pottery, raw glass, and lead-based raw materials

Period: Classical Antiquity



The ship sunk in the 1st century. The main concentration of the cargo lay at a depth of 36 to 42 meters, but fragments of pottery vessels were scattered throughout a broad area of the surrounding sandy and rocky seabed. The results of the excavations were surprising. Along with the usual cargo of amphorae and mass produced pottery vessels, a large quantity of raw glass and lead minerals and semi-finished products came to light, packed in pottery vessels of varied size. The degree of preservation of the remains of the ship and its equipment was extraordinary. The rescue nature of the excavations did not allow for the total excavation of the wooden remains of the ship, but the discovered section contained clearly visible remains of 13 frames with inner and outer planking and part of the keel, joined with the classical technique of mortise and tenon joints.

The comprehensive and up-to-date study of the finds will provide us with information on maritime trade from the same era to which the ships found in the bay of Caska and near the cape of Plavac belong.