Professor Lucy Blue takes us to China to discuss the recovery and investigation of the Yangtze River Estuary No. 2 shipwreck, discovered in 2015 by the Shanghai Museum archaeologists with the help of the local fisherman. Dr Xiaolin Ma and Dr Prof. Zhanghua Wang from East China Normal University, Shanghai talk about their roles in understanding the life history of the ship. Buried for over 150 years beneath fine sediment in around 10 metres of water at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this 38-metre vessel is the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden shipwreck discovered in China. The wreck was lifted inside a container (48 meters long, 19 meters wide, and 9 meters tall) with surrounding sediments and is now being carefully excavated in Shanghai’s disused shipyard. Scientific analysis has revealed remarkable details of its cargo and is on going. Using methods, including sedimentary environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis that identifies the genetic material of all organisms from sediments sealed inside the pottery jars, researchers were able to reveal insights into the nature and origin of elements of the cargo no longer visible in the archaeological record. Excavation continues in Shanghai, as plans are underway to create a museum to house the Qing Dynasty ship and its finds.

The project would like to acknowledge Mr Yang Zhai from Shanghai Cultural Heritage Conservation and Research Centre, who provided chances for studying the sedimentary DNA of a shipwreck; Dr Shaoqing Wen from Fudan University, who provided ultra-clean laboratory and equipment for eDNA analysis and helped with the analysis. They also would like to thank Haixia Wen and Xin Wei from East China Normal University and Zhihang Ma from Fudan University who measured the environmental parameters and performed data processing.

Limited finds and graffiti inscribed above the keel, helped date the vessel. These clues, combined with the writings of the Greek geographer Strabo, who described Alexandria during the Roman period, offer insights into the luxurious activities that may have taken place on board. An alternative hypothesis links the barge to the Temple of Isis, originally situated near the palace of Cleopatra VII, raising the intriguing possibility that it was used in Isiac ceremonial processions. As Goddio explains, it is hardly surprising that the harbours of Alexandria continue to yield extraordinary discoveries, as after all, this was once the very centre of the ancient world.

Follow along with this work on this website: www.franckgoddio.org

Dr. Stella Demesticha, Associate Professor of Maritime Archaeological Research at the University of Cyprus, joins Professor Lucy Blue to discuss a remarkable Ottoman-period shipwreck located off Cyprus’ east coast. Excavated over three seasons by the Maritime Archaeological Research Laboratory of the University of Cyprus in collaboration with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the wreck identified as the Nissia, is a post-medieval vessel likely dating to the 18th–19th century AD.

Measuring over 30 metres in length, the wreck represents a significant addition to our understanding of Cyprus’ maritime history during the Ottoman era. Although no definitive cargo has yet been recovered, intriguing material clues are emerging. Timber analysis reveals that its oak planks originate from northern Europe, suggesting a possible Dutch connection. Four cannons have also been recorded on the site, though evidence of looting raises the possibility that additional armaments were once present.

Other finds include Ottoman smoking pipes, bricks, and bundles of pointed wooden logs believed to be firewood, offering valuable insight into life on board. As on-going research and scientific analysis continue, archaeologists anticipate that further discoveries will clarify the identity, origins, and final voyage of this vessel.

The project wishes to thank:
The Honor Frost Foundation
THETIDA
The University of Cyprus: Department of History and Archaeology
The University of Cyprus: Archaeology Research Unit
MARELab (Maritime Archaeology Research Laboratory)