Remains of a cargo of about 700 amphorae 

 (first century B.C.) found off Toulon 

 near the Island of Levant in 1948. These 

 amphorae were stacked on the sea floor 

 In much the same way as the amphorae 

 found In the wreck of SpargI (left) . 



classical world has been found since our search for wrecks began. 



Cargo ships of the classical world usually carried large sails, 

 heavy cargoes, and possibly had a special fitting of lead on the hull 

 to make the ship stable in heavy seas. If such a ship capsized during 

 a storm it would sink rapidly, and at least part of the hull would be 

 protected from corrosion by the cargo. In contrast, military vessels 

 carried more rowers, lighter sails, less lead, and very little cargo. 

 If one of these ships capsized it might not sink at all, and would be 

 broken up by the waves or dashed to pieces against the shore. If 

 it did sink, there would be no cargo to protect the hull, and all the 

 planking would rot. This may explain why no classical warships 

 remain to be found. 



The most spectacular and successful salvage of an old wreck 



Site of the Roman wreck salvaged by 

 Cousteau at Grand Congloue in 1952. 

 wreck was dated at about 250 B.C. 



The 



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