Miners in Serbia have unearthed remnants of a ship within an open coal mine, which were then transported to the "Viminacium" archaeological park. This isn't the first time that Serbian miners have stumbled upon traces of the past during coal extraction.
According to Euronews, this discovery includes preserved boards from a 13-meter-long and three-and-a-half-meter-wide river vessel. The find occurred at a depth of seven meters and, though the ship wasn't completely intact, the wood remained in good condition.
Ilya Dankovich, an archaeologist engaged in the study of the Viminacium Roman military camp and settlement in eastern Serbia, highlighted the rarity of finding organic materials in non-aquatic settings. The ship's remains have been relocated to Viminacium for further study. To prevent the wood from deteriorating, it was buried in sand, as wood is a fragile material that can break apart if it dries out.
While the exact timeframe of the ship's origin is uncertain, similar discoveries in the past suggest that shipbuilding techniques in the area remained largely consistent over time, possibly ranging from the Roman period to the last century. Samples have been sent to a Hungarian laboratory for analysis, with results expected in a few months.
Further investigation of the ship will require time and financial support. A funding application will be submitted to the Serbian Ministry of Culture. Once a museum is established for all the ships and boats discovered along the nearby Danube River, visitors will have the opportunity to witness this historical find.
Comments (0)