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A sonar image (top) of the Melkarth site made by the ROV and a stone carving (above) depicting a 1st Century Phoenician ship.
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Nearly 3,000 feet below the surface of the Mediterranean, the "Melkarth" site is seen for the first time in more than 2,000 years.
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OVERVIEW:
The "Melkarth" was discovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 1998 almost 3,000 feet below the surface of the western Mediterranean during the Cambridge Expedition. "Melkarth" is an ancient shipwreck covered by ceramic jars, or amphorae, which suggest that it was a Punic or Phoenician merchant vessel dating from the 3-5th Century BC. A Punic/Phoenician wreck of this era, especially one in deep water, is a tremendously important archaeological find.
STATUS:
The Melkarth, and other ancient shipwrecks located by Odyssey Marine Exploration are exciting finds which have priceless historical and archaeological value. Archaeological excavation, conservation and exhibits related to this project are pending corporate sponsorship or underwriting.
BACKGROUND:
Despite the Phoenicians' domination of trade throughout the Mediterranean for centuries, little is recorded of this mysterious culture. Some historians believe these amazing "Sea People" made the first circumnavigation of Africa almost 2,000 years before it was repeated by Vasco da Gama. Phoenicians traded as far as present-day England, and some evidence suggests they may have made trips to the Azores and Brazil.
- The Phoenician civilization lasted 1,000 years and included famous historical and biblical figures such as Hannibal, Jezebel, and Baal.
- Our alphabet is based on the Phoenician writing system.
- They were the ancient world's greatest navigators and explorers, establishing coastal colonies throughout the Mediterranean.
- The Phoenicians often referred to as the Caananites, Sidonians and Tyrians in the Bible, practiced religious prostitution (both male and female) to support the temples.
- Child and animal sacrifice were practiced.
Phoenicians taught the Romans crucifixion and built temples for the Hebrews.
- They inadvertently taught the Romans to build warships. . . the Romans took a grounded Phoenician ship, dismantled it, and constructed an entire fleet from the model in only 60 days.
- Phoenicians supplied game animals, such as peacocks, lions, apes, and elephants, for the Romans' entertainment.
- They were master artisans of glass, ivory, gold and silver items.
- Phoenicians invented some classic military strategies (bring on the elephants!)
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