Roman barge in the Netherlands

From the BBC, Roman barge excites archaeologists.

A 1,800-year-old barge that once sailed along the borders of the Roman Empire will rise to the surface again this month in the Netherlands.

The vessel is currently being excavated by archaeologists from the bottom of Heldammer Stroom, an offshoot of the old course of the River Rhine near the city of Utrecht.

First discovered in 1997, it is said to be beautifully preserved.

"It's very special," said Mr Andre Van Holk, the maritime archaeologist heading the research team.

"Most ships that have been found so far were deliberately stripped and sunk to fortify riverbanks and this is the first one that seems to have sunk due to natural causes." [continue]

Posted on June 9, 2003 07:34 AM. Filed under: history & archaeology.