Test drives with Roman ship replica: Stable in strong winds
Several weeks of testing a replica Roman merchant ship on the Mediterranean have provided researchers with new insights. "We have learned that this ship is absolutely seaworthy and can be sailed stably even in high waves and strong winds," said the head of the project, Christoph Schäfer, to the German Press Agency in Trier.
During the sometimes "very strenuous" tours in the Bay of Cannes in southern France, the team "gained a lot of respect for the Romans as seafarers". Another finding was that the previously assumed load capacity of the ship had to be "corrected downwards". The previous assumption was 30 tons.
The ship named "Bissula", which was faithfully reconstructed by Trier scientists, is now on its way back to its home port in Trier. It was first transported overland by van to Dillingen on the Saar, where it was put back into the water. It is currently moored above the lock in Rehlingen, said Schäfer. The "Bissula" is expected to sail back to Trier on the Moselle via the Saar next week.
During the measurement trips on the Mediterranean, the scientists wanted to collect data on the performance of the 16-metre-long and 5-metre-wide ship. The data will now be analyzed over the coming weeks and months, said ancient historian Schäfer from the University of Trier.
From 2017 to 2019, scientists from Trier worked with students and craftsmen in Trier to faithfully recreate the sailing freighter. The ship was based on a ship from the 3rd century that sank on the French coast near Marseille. The wreck was discovered in the 1980s. Schäfer said that the ship was also transporting wine in amphorae at the time. Prior to this, "Bissula" had already been on the Moselle several dozen times for test trips.
The research findings on the 'Bissula' have significant implications for our understanding of ancient shipping practices. This replica Roman merchant ship's seaworthiness in strong winds supports the robustness of Roman shipping technology in history. Furthermore, the need to revise the estimated load capacity of the ship underscores the importance of continuous research in archaeological science.
Source: www.dpa.com
