Religion Aboard Ancient Ships
New evidence that ancient Mediterranean sailors performed religious ceremonies and sacrifices on board their ships, according to new findings from a 2,000-year-old shipwreck.
Using a deep sea mini-submarine, archaeologists of the Sicilian Sea Superintendency and Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) divers found the wreck and its cargo of jars at a depth of 420 feet in the waters of Sicily’s Aeolian islands.
In the area of the bow — a portion of the wooden hull is still preserved — the archaeologists found a terracotta incense burner called thymiaterion. Consisting of a large bowl supported by a column, the thymiaterion had a base embellished with stylized sea waves. A Greek inscription of three letters (ETH) was also found on the base.
http://news.discovery.com/history/archaeology/ancient-mediterranean-sailors-made-sacrifices-on-ships-141014.htm
MaritimeArchaeology.com is a community-based website created and maintained by professionals in the field. All content conforms to the SAA's Principles of Archaeological Ethics and 2001 UNESCO Convention. MaritimeArchaeology.com presents evidence-based information from professional and ethical research. This site operates as a living document where professionals are constantly adding and improving content. Have a question or wish to contribute? Visit our "Contact" page! 
Underwater. Nautical. Marine. Why maritime?
In 1978 Keith Muckelroy argued for maritime archaeology over the others. Nautical refers to ships, but archaeologists also work on sunken cities. Marine refers to the ocean, but we dive in lakes and rivers, too. Underwater seems fitting, but Vikings chiefs were buried in ships on land. Recognizing these issues, Muckelroy chose the "maritime" to encompass all aspects of seafaring cultures. MaritimeArchaeology.com explores the many treasures of the past available to scientific research.
Recent Comments