Sep 16 2008
16th Century Portuguese Vessel Discovered Off Coast of Namibia
Just like the title says folks - a 16th century sunken ship bound for Asia from Portugal was discovered off the coast of Namibia.
We’re excited about the find because of all the TREASURE found on the sunken vessel!
The Earth Times is reporting “the ship’s rich bounty includes 2,000 gold coins and 1.4 kilograms in silver coins. Besides the treasure, they also found cannons and elephant tusks on the seabed.”
Also found among the remains of the ship were navigational instruments used by Portuguese sailors and the vessel has been linked to the first European to round the Cape of Good Hope - Portuguese explorer Bartholomez Diaz. Diaz is known for establishing a sea route from the Atlantic to Asia in 1488, but he went missing in the year 1500.
This shipwreck is believed to be the oldest one ever discovered off of the coasts of sub-Saharan Africa, and archaeologists from the U.S., Portugal, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are currently deciding how the excavation will be carried out. Although the shipwreck was discovered in April, journalists will be getting their first peek on Monday, September 22, 2008.
i do not want to miss a single part of the stories. i want to be updated. this totally fascinating