Three Renaissance Wrecks from Turkey and Their Implications for Maritime History in the Eastern Mediterranean

Abstract

This paper summarises findings from three recently investigated Renaissance wrecks in deepwater discovered in the Straits of Rhodes and interprets them in the context of that fast-changing world. Taken together, these vessels of different type provide insight into the maritime infrastructure of European mercantile trade and political relations of the time, as well as the armament used during this contentious era.

The Croatia Coastal Survey: 2012-2014 field seasons

“…It would be routine if a gun were present on what appears to be a merchant vessel operating during the Renaissance era. By the late 15th century, merchantmen in the Mediterranean were arming their vessels with wrought‐iron swivel guns; this trend continued to become a common practice in the 16th century in light of the increased dangers of operating in a competitive and hostile sea (Tenenti, ; Lloyd, ; Anderson, : 182–4; Royal and McManamon, : 110–1). The anchors, as well as the gun, appear similar to those found on the ‘Galley A’ wreck from Turkey of the same era (Royal, : 197–201).…”

At the Transition from Late Medieval to Early Modern: the Archaeology of Three Wrecks from Turkey

“…In another forum (Royal and McManamon, 2009) the authors have offered detailed analysis of the data from the three wrecks and their context in maritime history. Here we wish to present our current hypothesis for each vessel's type, date, and cultural identity.…”

“…In another forum (Royal and McManamon, 2009) the authors have offered detailed analysis of the data from the three wrecks and their context in maritime history.…”