Chapitre 4. Enfouissement de l’épave et actions de l’homme : dynamisme et état de conservation des vestiges

Abstract

Chapter 4. Burial of the wreck and human action : dynamism and state of preservation of the remains Although the wood of the barge has been deformed or eaten away in places where it suffered greater or lesser damage (splits, cracks etc.) from multiple causes (sinking, burial, lifting, restoration treatment and handling), the overall state of preservation can be considered as good, if not very good. A precise reading and comprehensive study of its architectural characteristics is possible. With the hull being almost complete – the preserved remains represent a little over 93 % of the entire hull – and the ensemble of internal fittings preserved, the Arles-Rhône 3 wreck is probably one of the best preserved inland waterways vessels of antiquity.