Reconstruction of the Byzantine shipwreck Yenikapı 12

Abstract

Yenikapı 12 was discovered at the Yenikapı site in Istanbul, Turkey. The shipwreck has been dated to the 9 th century AD. According to the reconstruction, Yenikapı 12 was a small merchantman, approximately 9.24 m long and 2.64 m wide. It was propelled by a single-mast lateen sail and controlled by two quarter rudders. The full-scale sailing replica of the Yenikapı 12 was built based on the archaeological remains. The objective of the reconstruction was to conceive a 9 th century AD trading vessel in its original form and dimensions, to identify its functionality, performance and capacity.