400-Year-Old Shipwreck Found Off The Coast Of Portugal Labeled ‘Discovery Of A Decade’

AncientPages.com - Archaeologists have discovered a 400-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Portugal. This significant find ha been labeled the “discovery of the decade”.

The shipwreck was found at the start of September while dredging the mouth of the Tagus river, which runs past the resort town through Lisbon.

Credit: Reuters/Cascais City Hall

Based on current knowledge, it is believed the ship was returning from India when it sank sometime between 1575 and 1625. This was at the height of Portugal's spice trade with Asia.

Credit: Reuters/Cascais City Hall

Credit: Reuters/Cascais City Hall

Credit: Reuters/Cascais City Hall

The ship was found at the depth of a depth of 12m (40ft) and it is still well-preserved. According to BBC, underwater archaeologist also found spices, ceramics and cannons engraved with Portugal's coat of arms all lie around the wreck, found near Cascais, close to the capital Lisbon.”

“From a heritage perspective, this is the discovery of the decade,” project director Jorge Freire told Reuters news agency. He also added the shipwreck is "the most important find of all time" for the country.

Scientists also discovered Chinese porcelain from the late 16th and early 17th centuries as well as bronze artillery pieces and cowry shells - a currency used in the slave trade.

Mayor Carlos Carreiras said it is an "extraordinary discovery", which will reinforce their "collective identity and shared values".

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