Wreckage of Roman ship in Red Sea might reveal first maritime commercial route
Egypt, History, 8/2/2001

Trade is one of the oldest forms of relations between countries. For the sake of getting access to more information on the trade route between Rome, Egypt and India in the period between the first century BC and the first century AD a group of British and American experts have embarked upon an ambitious program to survey a Roman vessel lying underwater in the Red Sea opposite the coast of Al Qosseir.

International mass media had referred to the surveillance work maintained by the team to excavate the wreckage of a sunken Roman ship.

The team has expressed hope of finding a treasure of gold and silver on board.

The ship sunk shortly after setting sail towards India in the period between the end of the first century BC and the beginning of the first century AD.

Experts affirmed that the ship was owned by the famous Roman Emperor Augustus, who ruled Egypt after achieving victory over the common forces of Anthony and Cleopatra in Actium in 31 BC.

Wreckage of the ship was found eight years ago.

The team of archaeologists pin hope on finding a thread that would yield information on the first maritime commercial route linking Europe to south India via the Egyptian territories in Qosseir harbour.

Experts believe that sand at the sea bed has protected the vessel from the detrimental effect of water currents.

There is great possibility that the ship is in good condition and so the team is likely to find the cargo on board.

The team of archaeologists have already reported finding a number of huge earthenware which turned to be used in storing wine and olive oil.

They believe that the rest of the cargo included wine transported from south Italy, jewellery and gold coins.

It is believed that the vessel was considered among the huge pieces of the Roman commercial fleet at the time. Experts, however, expect that excavations are to be carried on for four years.

Lying 200 feet deep underwater diving periods will not exceed 30 minutes at a time in order to protect the divers from the adverse effect of working at such depth.

Previous Stories:
  Treasures in a sunken ship in the Red Sea   (7/30/2001)
  Looking for Lions' Castle   (7/30/2001)
  North coast excavations yield archaeological riches   (7/26/2001)

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