Sunken treasures unearthed: Portugal's hidden maritime history
Off the coast of Portugal, approximately 250 shipwrecks lie on the Atlantic seabed, which once transported valuable treasures. Research conducted by the New University of Lisbon sheds new light on these historical findings.
Scientists from the New University of Lisbon have discovered that about 250 shipwrecks off the coast of Portugal were carrying valuable items when they sank. Alexandre Machado, a staff member of the Institute of History, Territories, and Communities at this university, informed the Portuguese media about the approximate locations where these vessels sank.
Researchers conducted a detailed analysis of historical documents, including memoirs and accounts from witnesses of maritime disasters off the coast of continental Portugal and the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores. Machado explained that the research was based on a database about shipwrecks on the Atlantic seabed, including 8,620 ships.
Approximately 7,500 of these wrecks are located off the coast of continental Portugal. Around 1,000 are in the vicinity of the Azores, and 120 have been located off the coast of Madeira.
Treasures from the past
The research includes vessels that sank after 1500. The oldest sources used to compile the list were documents from the early 16th century. Machado indicated that one of the oldest wrecks is the Spanish ship Nuestra Señora del Rosario, built in 1589. During its final voyage, which ended off the coast of Troy, 22 tons of gold and silver were on board, or roughly 24.3 short tons.
The historian personally confirmed the locations of some wrecks during dives. However, finding valuable items is hindered by sand, which has buried these treasures on the ocean floor for centuries. Machado noted that despite the difficulties, this research is crucial for understanding Portugal's maritime history.
