Shipwreck proves Bronze Age trade boom
THE discovery of a 3,000-year-old shipwreck shows that European trade was thriving even in the Bronze Age, experts have revealed.
The vessel, carrying copper and tin ingots used to make weapons and jewellery, sank off the coast near Salcombe in Devon and is thought to date from 900BC.
But it was only last year that the South West Maritime Archaeological Group, a team of amateur archaeologists, brought its cargo to the surface.
It is thought that the goods – 259 copper ingots and 27 of tin – were destined for Britain but collected from several different sources in Europe. Tin ingots from this period have not been found in Britain before.
The discovery reveals the high level of sophistication maritime trade in Europe had reached, even in ancient times.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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