Shipwreck investigations in the waters of Tyre

Pp. 103-129 BAAL 14, 2010 1 Shipwreck investigations in the waters of Tyre MyriaM SECO aLVarEZ and Ibrahim NOUrEDDiNE This article discusses the underwater archaeological works carried out from 2006 until 2010, at a depth of 34 metres, 4.5 km North-West from the city of Tyre. This is a collaborative project between the Academy of Fine Arts of Seville and the Lebanese General Directorate of Antiquities (DGA). The project has permitted the recovery and study of a large quantity of material found at the bottom of the sea. This material represents the cargo of a shipwreck, probably dating between the 6th and the 4th century B.C. The study of this material has permitted the discovery of social, cultural and artistic aspects of this period in the Eastern Mediterranean. Introduction Many stories are told about a shipwreck located a few kilometres offshore Tyre, Lebanon. “There is a trove of terracotta statues being foraged by local treasure hunters”, they say. The main objective of the project was to investigate the site forensically, in order to collect and record as much data as possible from the shipwreck. Our investigation started in a 10 days period in June 2006 to locate and identify the submerged archaeological zone. The initial goal of the survey was to locate the shipwreck and highlight the major points of the excavation project, and to determine what type of dredging machine would be proper for the nature of the archaeological zone.  Several pot sherds were spotted during the first season, along with scattered fragments of statue bases inthearea.Thefindswereallfromthesameperiod. During the 2007 season, investigations continued with a larger crew of Marine Archaeologists1, in addition to other colleagues2 for restoration and the study of pottery. 157 artefacts were recovered from the sea during this season. Most of these artefacts were statues and large fragments of statues, along with pottery contemporary with the period of the statues. Also, severalareaswereidentifiedashavinghighpotential for locating the hull of the ship. The investigation of the shipwreck recommenced in 2008, in the hope of casting light on the mystery of the location of the hull of the ship. 205 dives were Myriam Seco Alvarez BAAL 14, 2010 3 Shipwreck investigations at Tyre’s waters 2006-2010 BAAL 14, 2010 2 2. Topographical/nautivcal charting  GPS, compasses, measuring tapes and floats were used to create a grid superimposing the general map of the water of Tyre. Digital mapping of the scatteredmaterialfromtheshipwreckhelpedatfirst in determining the size and the origin of the ship. The areas of archaeological interest were recorded using a combined method of drawing, and digital photography. The objects that were found during the project were recorded, through photography, technical drawing as well as artistic drawing. GPS was used throughout the work, to record every reference point and diving transact, so that it would be possible to record all concentration zones of artefacts, in order to add them to the digital map (Fig.4). A FileMaker database program was created to include all information related to artefacts such as: measurements, state of preservation, and graphical information. layer, also composed of sand, but more compressed and compact. The lower layer contains more shell fragments. conducted on the site, resulting in the recovery of 171 artefacts from the seafloor. During this period, 12 soundings and about 43 diving survey tracks were conducted to cover as much of the study area as possible. The richest area for artefacts proved to be the centre of the study area, which covers approx. 600m x400m. Myriam Seco Alvarez and Ibrahim Noureddine are leading this project in conjunction with the Lebanese General Directorate of Antiquities (DGA). The aim of theprojectwasfirstlytolocateandsavewhatisleftof the shipwreck. Secondly, to complete the basic survey and excavate the remains of the shipwreck in order to make progress towards an understanding of the seafaring history of this area. Work methods and results 1. Work planning: Recovering underwater archaeological data through diving and mechanical excavation is limited. However, visual monitoring throughout the excavation is the only alternative so far. Meetings of the diving crew were set every evening to discuss the next day’s objectives, based on the present status of the information, as well as sea conditions. The divers split in teams during the meeting, depending on each diver’s specialty and ability. Both surface and bottom currents were very dominant in the June-July period, therefore dredging machines were used minimally and only when the weather permitted. The currents were naturally running towards the North, therefore, for several days, drift dives were conducted from the South, outside the parameter of the study area, to the Northern limit (Fig.1). This type of drift diving was made repeatedly in parallel lines, in order to cover the whole area around the centre of the scattered material, GPS points were taken at the beginning, and at the end, of each dive to be added later on to the digital map (Fig.2). Weather conditions in November and December allowed us to use the dredging machines more often, for soundings in areas rich in scattered artefacts. These soundings were of 1x1m, and reached a depth between 50 cm Fig. 3fffffffffff. Zone 1 Zone 2 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + ++ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + + ++ + + + + + + + ++ + + + + +++ + + ++ E + + + + + + + ++ + + ++ + + + + + + + + ++ + + + ++ + +++ + + +++ +++ + + + + + + ++ + + + E ++ + + + 59 60 65 71 56 1 2 + + + 700,200 700,200 700,400 700,400 700,600 700,600 700,800 700,800 701,000 701,000 701,200 701,200 701,400 701,400 3,686,000 3,686,000 3,686,200 3,686,200 3,686,400 3,686,400 3,686,600 3,686,600 0 100 200 300 400 50 Meters 1:1,000 Spanish - Lebanese Marine Archaeological Mission at Tyre Remains of a Shipwreck North-West of Tyre (Second Season 2007) = Direction of the surveylines + = Shipwreck objects 1:15,000 1,000 0 1,000 500 Meters Fig. 4jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj to 80 cm (Fig.3). The thickness of the sediments ontheseafloorwasmorethanexpected.Theyare divided into 2 different layers, the top layer is about 50 cm thick, and consists of large sand grain particles called “Zivziv” locally. This is followed by another Fig. 1fffffffffff. Fig. 2fffffffffff. Myriam Seco Alvarez BAAL 14, 2010 5 Shipwreck investigations at Tyre’s waters 2006-2010 BAAL 14, 2010 4 Finds A total number of 328 artefacts were recovered from the sea. Most of them are large fragments of terracotta statues of different sizes, one of which has the Phoenician inscription: “Eshmoun Yeten”, a local name perhaps for the person who made the statue, or the person who ordered the statue (Fig.10). 12 test pits were excavated, mainly in the areas with a high concentration of artefacts. Included among these artefactsare 2 smallcomplete figurines, whichwere found in test pits approx. 60 cm beneath the sediments (Fig.11). Pottery amphora sherds were found. These The investigation of the shipwreck of Tyre has led toseveralconclusions.Firstly,theseafloorisamixture of sediments and rocks. The uppermost surface of the seabed may explain what happened in antiquity when the ship sank. Underwater rock formations have created a series of molars along with coarse sands on theseafloor.Ifnomajorchangeshaveoccurredsince the sinking of the ship, this means the possibility of findingthehulloftheshipislow.Theartefactsofthe shipwreck are spread in an area of approx. 600 metres, perhaps due to the strong currents still experienced today. When the ship sank, it was probably on a rough sea with strong currents. Since wooden ships sink slowly, these currents would have caused the artefacts to spread around the area while the ship was sinking. Equipment and diving All the diving equipment used in this investigation was Nitrox friendly increasing the bottom time for the crew. Thus, divers gained around 11 more minutes of work, is almost double the time when the dive is one air.A9metersboatwith2speedenginesandflatfloor with seats was used during the second season, making divers comfortably going down to the water (Fig.8), while a bigger boat was used during the third season (Fig.9). then carefully covered with plastic bubble sheets, and placed in hard plastic containers. They were then transferredtotheDGAofficeinTyre. Excavation area The entire investigation area was divided into two zones containing all of the scattered material of the shipwreck. The area is around 600 metres East/West X 400m North/South (Fig.4). Zone 1 This zone is located on the eastern section of the study area. It contains two major points: point 1where the initial work commenced, containing numerous finds.Metalrodswereputinplacearoundthezoneto demarcate parameters and for use as reference points. Point 2 is also rich in artefacts, was demarcated in the same manner. Zone 2 This zone covers the western and southern portions of the study area. It was divided into 3 different points, where many pot sherds and statue fragments parts were found. All artefacts were recovered from both zones 1and 2, after recording all necessary information whilst still lyingontheseafloor(Fig.7) 3. Conservation works: The main purpose of conservation is to stabilize the pottery. The process of conservation began as soon as the artefacts were recovered from sea. After recovery, the artefacts were kept wet at all times until reaching the lab, and were then treated in the following manner: Concretions of insoluble salts such as carbonates, sulphates etc., were cleaned in two different ways: chemical cleaning with chemical products, and mechanical cleaning using dental tools and cutters. Desalination or the elimination of soluble salts from the pottery was achieved by bathing the objects several times in tap water and then distilled water. A biocide was added to the water to control biological growth of marine organisms and microorganisms, (Fig.5). After desalination, the objects were introduced to a distilled water bath and finally bathed in alcohol before letting them dry completely (Fig.6). The final step is consolidation, which was performed by applying ethyl silicate to some objects, and by the application of Paraloid with a brush in others. The objects were Fig. 6fffffffffff. Fig. 7fffffffffff. Fig. 8fffffffffff. Fig. 5fffffffffff. Fig. 9fffffffffff. Myriam Seco Alvarez BAAL 14, 2010 7 Shipwreck investigations at Tyre’s waters 2006-2010 BAAL 14, 2010 6 figurescanbedatedtothebeginningoftheHellenistic period. However, there were some common Egyptian influencesoneasternMediterraneanart,inparticular onPhoenicianart.Forexample,someofthefigures from Kharayeb represent Isis and Horus, who had a great acceptance in Phoenician societies. This is demonstrated by the assimilated goddess of fertility, motherhood and pregnancy, Isis-Astarte, who had the same aspects at Byblos and Tyre as the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. Finds 328 artefacts were recovered from the sea. Most of these are large fragments of terracotta statues of different sizes. The pottery amphora sherds found are of the “carinated shoulder shape”, common between the 4th and the 6th century B.C. It is possible that these artefacts all belong to the same shipwreck. (Fig.12) No artefacts were found to the West of zone 2. The collected material was concentrated between zones 1 and 2, covering an area of approx. 600 metres. In order to map and gather more information on the material, 14 different survey routes were created, by making underwatertransactsinagivendirectionflowingwith the area of Aeolis in Asia Minor, and date from the 6th Century B.C. to the 5th Century B.C8. The terracotta statuettes from Failaka island in Kuwait, representing oriental old style mixed with the Greek new fashion, are also being considered. These female-necked figurinesdatefromthe3rd Century to the 2nd Century B.C. However, perpetuation of the old religions continued during the Hellenistic period9.  SimilaritiestotheTyreshipwreckfigurinesarealso found in Kharayeb “South Lebanon”. Two models, classified as mother goddesses, resembling the Tyre statues are included in “Les terres cuites de Kharayeb” (plate II, no: 4 and 5)10. Statue number 4 represents a seated woman with head and shoulders covered by a veil, breastfeeding a child. This hollow statue is 15 cm high, stands on a rectangular base, and has remains of red pigment. Statue number 5 is also approx. 15cm high. The statue represents a standing naked woman, with hair covered by a veil, and left hand on her chest, carrying achild.Thefigurestandsonahighrectangularbase.  Itisverydifficulttodatemothergoddesses.They are characterized by rough workmanship with very little Hellenisticinfluence.Incontrasttothegreatarchaic period they are a demonstration of the perpetuation of Canaanite traditions in popular workshops. Hence, the statues. However, complete statues were also found underthefirstlayerinthetestpits.Consequently,the possibilityoffindingmorecompleteformsaswellas vessel fragments is likely. The majority of the statues recovered represent the lower part and bases of statues. Several kinds of statue bases were found: rectangular, square and circular, in addition to a double based combination. Most of the statues are of female fertility goddess; representing a pregnant female with breasts showing and, in some examples, breastfeeding. The statues are of poor quality terracotta, and are therefore fragile.  During the first millennium B.C. Tyre was still one of the most important commercial cities on the Mediterranean3. A similar ship, carrying a cargo of Phoenicio-Punicterracottafigurines,wasfoundsome 30 kilometres south of Tyre, at “Shave Ziyyon”. This site was excavated and published in 1973 by E. Linder4. Artefacts were also found scattered over quite a large area (one kilometre by three hundred metres). A groupof250hollowterracottafigurineswereclassified according to size into 5 different groups: 13, 16, 22, 30and40cm.Theyarefemalefiguresstandingon a plinth, wearing either a chitin or peplums; the right arm lifted in a gesture of benediction, whilst the left is held bent against the breast5.  Manyoftheterracottafigurinesmentionedabove datebacktothefifthcenturyB.C.Manyresemblethose found at the Tyre shipwreck. This raises questions on the shipwreck, with regard to size, destination, and the purpose of the ship’s journey beyond its commercial aspect. Culican6 believed that quite a number of the figurineshadbeenrecoveredfromtheseanearTyre (probably our site), suggesting that they are either part of the same cargo, and drifted from the supposed shipwreck mentioned above, or they are two sets of votive statues purposefully deposited in the sea, perhaps to secure protection from reefs.  Parallels in style to the Tyre shipwreck figurines werefoundinsomedrapedstandingfemalefigurines from the archaic period of Corinth. These statues dated from the 5th century B.C, and probably represent youthful votives. These statues were exhibited in shrines or sanctuaries, like those of Demeter and Kore7.  Somefemale figurines fromthe area ofAnatolia classified by “Croissant” resemble various figurines foundattheTyreshipwreck.Thesefigurinesarefrom are “carinated shoulder shape” amphorae, hinting to the 4th century BC. The artefacts are all contemporary and probably belong to the same shipwreck.  Mostofthe artefactscollectedfromtheseafloor within the study area are fragments of terracotta Fig. 10fffffffffff. Fig. 11fffffffffff. Fig. 12fffffffffff. Myriam Seco Alvarez BAAL 14, 2010 9 Shipwreck investigations at Tyre’s waters 2006-2010 BAAL 14, 2010 8 height, and were made in moulds. The most peculiar and popular types of this class represent seated men of patriarchal appearance fondling their long beards, and women in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Other common types, in keeping with Canaanite tradition, represent women nursing a child19. This type is also very similar to one from the Tyre shipwreck (Pl. 2). b) This type of statue represents male warrior figureswithstrongmuscles,givingtheimpressionthat thesearerepresentationsoffighters20. From a stylistic point of view, these statues have a strong Egyptian influence. However, the art of terracotta modelling was less exposed to Egyptian influence than luxury crafts at Tyre. In fact, the production of these objects seemstohavebeenlessexposedtoforeigninfluence than other crafts practiced in town21. Examples of warrior statues from the Tyre shipwreck: Find No. 106 is a lower part of a male statue wearingagarmentreachingtothe knee. The figure stands on what is left of a rectangular base. The feet are broken, however, it is possible to see that the left foot is placed in front. The feet of the statue are hollow. Themaximumpreservedheightofthefigureis21cm. Find No. 122 is a lower part of a male statue wearing a garment reaching to the knee, standing on a broken rectangular base. The feet are broken. The statue is hollow.Themaximumpreservedheightofthefigure is 47 cm. There are several standing statues with offering bowls placed on the feet of the statue (probably for oil or incense) (Fig.16) among the artefacts found at the Tyre shipwreck. Gubel17 mentions one statue found at Tyre, now part of the “Chalabi” collection also with an offering bowl. At Tell Sippor, there is a collection of standing female statues, catalogued as number 218, very similar to one from Tyre. The Tyre statue represents a female holding a child with the left arm. Her right hand is probably on the belly. The lower part of the statue is broken (Fig.17). A variety of forms and styles are present in the Tell Makmishcollection.Thegreatmajorityofthefigurines are of hollow terracotta.Thefigurinesare18cm.in the current. The limit of the scattered material ends to the West of zone 2, where it stops suddenly. However, it continues towards the East (Fig.4). There are three categories of statues a) Female fertility goddess, b) Warrior like male statues, and  c)Maleprieststatuesormalefiguresinaposition of adoration. The majority of the artefacts are bases and the lower parts of statues. Several types of statue bases were found: rectangular, square, circular and, on occasion, a combination of two types. The statues varyinsizebetween12cm,asrepresentedbyfindno. 539, and more than one metre high, as represented by findno.564(Fig.13). a) Most of the female statues are pregnant fertility goddesses, with breasts showing, sometimes breastfeedingatthesametime.Similarfigures,which include a Tanit symbol, were found next to ShaveZiyyon. Nunn11 classifies similar statues to those we found as Phoenician group type 35A, which are definedasfemalestatuesonabase,withrighthandup, and with the left holding the breast or holding a baby. Fig..13fffffffffff. Most of the females depicted are pregnant, and their hair is tied with a ribbon. The height ranges between 30 and 37 cm, or between 13 and 16 cm12. This type offigurinehasalsobeenfoundinaPalestinianfavissa in Tel Sippor. The heterogeneous character of the terracotta and statuettes of Tel Sippor, like that of many similar assemblages, indicates that the terracotta objects and statuettes were originally votive offerings, presented to the deity, or deities, worshipped in the sanctuary, and later discarded. They were usually placed in sanctuaries, but could also be placed in houses, or in tombs as offerings for the dead13. An example of a female fertility goddess from the Tyre shipwreck is one found in zone 1. This is a complete statue of a pregnant female, with the right palm open to the front, and the left hand on the chin. The statue is standing on a square base that ends in a circular shape. The breast is showing and only the face is missing out of this statue (Pl. 1). The statues we found were of poor quality terracotta. They are in fragile condition as they had been immersed in salty seawater at 35 meters of depth for such a long time. Only 3 statue fragments with heads were found in zone 2, which are those given inventory numbers: 197, 192, and 303. Features have been obscured by a thick layer of concretion deposited on the surface of these figurines. In other case, the features have been eroded away. Hollow terracotta figurines originated in Rhodos. They appeared during the mid 6th century B.C. and were distributed in the 5th-4th centuries B.C. at several Mediterranean regions such as: western Asia Minor, Greece, Sicily, Italy, Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean14. The statues discovered at Makmish and TelSippor on the Palestinian coast are similar to those found in Shave-Ziyyon. This type has also been found in a mainland context, i.e., the Hellenistic favissa at Kharayeb near Saida, Lebanon15. Some of the statues found in zone 2 at the Tyre shipwreck (Fig.14) are similar to 5 statues held in a private collection16. They have the same type of rectangular base, and all of them represent pregnant females holding a (baby?) with the left arm. These statues measure approx. 35 cm. Among all the statues recovered from the sea, one statue head resembles those in the private collection (Fig.15). Pl. 2fffffffffff. Pl. 1fffffffffff.