In the heart of Namibia's diamond country, the Sperrgebiet, prospectors struck gold, finding the remains of a fifteenth century ship, brilliantly preserved amid the dunes.
In the heart of Namibia's diamond country, the Sperrgebiet, prospectors struck gold, finding the remains of a fifteenth century ship, brilliantly preserved amid the dunes.
DIETER NOLI
The ship is believed to be called The Bom Jesus ("The Good Jesus"), a Portuguese vessel that set sail for India but never made it out of the Southern Atlantic. One of numerous trade vessels to make the journey, archeologists discovered great riches in gold coins, copper and ivory among the ruins.
The ship is believed to be called The Bom Jesus ("The Good Jesus"), a Portuguese vessel that set sail for India but never made it out of the Southern Atlantic. One of numerous trade vessels to make the journey, archeologists discovered great riches in gold coins, copper and ivory among the ruins.
DIETER NOLI
Archeologists believe that the site is so well preserved for a variety of reasons. The Sperrgebiet has for over a century been heavily restricted due to the mining operation underway, which has limited the number of humans who can access the 10,000-square-mile region. As for the ship itself, a large quantity of poisonous copper aboard is believed to have staved off microbes which would normally have consumed organic material in the ground.
Archeologists believe that the site is so well preserved for a variety of reasons. The Sperrgebiet has for over a century been heavily restricted due to the mining operation underway, which has limited the number of humans who can access the 10,000-square-mile region. As for the ship itself, a large quantity of poisonous copper aboard is believed to have staved off microbes which would normally have consumed organic material in the ground.
DIETER NOLI
Gold coins were key to identifying the remains. Archeologists were able to date the Spanish and Portuguese currency back to a brief 13 year window in the fifteenth century, before cross referencing against various contemporary logs.
Gold coins were key to identifying the remains. Archeologists were able to date the Spanish and Portuguese currency back to a brief 13 year window in the fifteenth century, before cross referencing against various contemporary logs.
DIETER NOLI
Among the objects aided by the copper aboard is this 500-year-old musket, unusually designed to rest on the cheek.
Among the objects aided by the copper aboard is this 500-year-old musket, unusually designed to rest on the cheek.
DIETER NOLI
Ivory was also discovered, suggesting the ship made at least one stop before its failed attempt to enter the Indian Ocean.
Ivory was also discovered, suggesting the ship made at least one stop before its failed attempt to enter the Indian Ocean.
DIETER NOLI