This morning, the Consell de Mallorca has shown some of the findings of the excavations that have been carried out this April in preparation for the definitive extraction.

The extraction of the Ses Fontanelles derelict gets closer

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This morning, the Consell de Mallorca presented some of the findings from the excavations carried out this April in preparation for the definitive extraction of the Ses Fontanelles derelict.

The president of the Consell de Mallorca, Llorenç Galmés, explained that this is an archaeological study to check the state of conservation of the ship, which will be extracted in the coming months. Throughout this month, more data has been obtained on the naval architecture and on the seabed that houses the vessel to outline the extraction project. However, an exact date cannot be given because the weather plays a fundamental role in the operation.

This excavation campaign, before the definitive extraction of the derelict, explained the president, ended with some very important archaeological finds. ‘A coin has been found in the cockpit, which is the hole where the mast of the ship was placed. It is a sample of a ritual act that has also been seen in other derelicts. It is said that at the time it was built, the coin was placed under the main mast to attract good luck,’ he explained.

A coin from 320 AD

President Galmés explained that the coin found was minted in 320 AD in the city of Síscia (now Sisak, Croatia). It could belong to Emperor Constantine (307-337 AD) or Licinius I (307-324 AD). It should be noted that these emperors promulgated the Edict of Milan in 313 AD on religious tolerance whereby Christianity was no longer persecuted.

‘The precise date of this coin is very important because it provides what in archaeological terminology is known as the terminus post quem, that is, the moment after which this ship began to sail and sank,’ explained Galmés. If we add to this finding that the study of the amphorae and the fact that the naval architecture is very well preserved and does not appear to have undergone major repairs, the archaeologists conclude that the vessel must date from the 4th century AD.

In conclusion, the Consell de Mallorca has successfully closed this campaign and preparations for the definitive extraction of the derelict have begun.

65 metres from the coast

The ses Fontanelles derelict was discovered in 2019 when a resident who was diving in the area alerted the Consell de Mallorca of the discovery. It is located 65 metres from the coast and 2.5 metres deep. In 2022, some of the materials inside were extracted: amphorae containing oil, fish sauces and wine. It was also concluded that the ship came from Cartagena and that it sank in the 4th century AD.

The condition of the wood is exceptional, as is that of the cargo, the amphorae. These amphorae, of various types, have painted inscriptions that have already been classified as the most important in the Mediterranean (they provide information on the contents of the containers). For all these reasons, it is considered a great find that places Mallorca as an archaeological site of reference throughout the world, according to President Galmés.