Rigging of the Ma‘agan Mikhael B shipwreck (7th–8th centuries AD): new finds

Maayan Cohen, Deborah Cvikel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

During the 2019 underwater excavation season of the Ma‘agan Mikhael B shipwreck (mid-7th–mid-8th centuries AD), an unattached hook-shaped masthead fitting with sheaves was discovered and retrieved. This remarkable and rare find is a type of fitting characteristic of lateen-rigged vessels, and is an addition to the assembly of rigging elements, such as blocks and ropes and the mast-step assembly, found and documented in previous seasons. Pieces of fabric, which might be remnants of the sail, were also found. These finds allowed the rig of the ship to be reconstructed and shed new light on eastern Mediterranean sailing during Late Antiquity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)291-302
Number of pages12
JournalInternational Journal of Nautical Archaeology
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors. International Journal of Nautical Archaeology © 2020 The Nautical Archaeology Society.

Keywords

  • Late Antiquity
  • Mediterranean
  • lateen-rigged
  • masthead
  • turning blocks

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • History
  • Archaeology
  • Paleontology

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