The discovery of a 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck off the coast of Croatia has shed new light on the ancient secrets of waterproofing. The ship's hull was found to be coated with a combination of pine tar and a mixture of tar and beeswax, which was used to protect the vessel from the elements.
Key Insights
The analysis of the shipwreck has revealed that the Romans used a sophisticated method of waterproofing, which involved applying a layer of pine tar and a mixture of tar and beeswax to the hull. Furthermore, the pollen trapped in the coatings has provided valuable information about the landscapes surrounding the ship when repairs were made, giving scientists a unique perspective on the history of the vessel.
