The Dor/Tantura shipwrecks: Clues to their construction tradition

The Dor 2001/1 shipwreck, excavated at Dor/Tantura lagoon, shows the completed transition in ship construction from shell-first to frame-based at the beginning of the 6th century, about 500 years earlier than was widely accepted on the basis of the Serçe Limani shipwreck. Therefore its construction tradition and origin is of great interest. The cross-section of Dor 2001/1 inspired both E. Rieth and L. Basch to suggest its construction tradition as a river-built method, originating specifically in Egypt. This idea is strengthened by evidence from four other shipwrecks from Dor lagoon: Tantura A, Tantura F, Tantura E and Tantura B, partially by parallel construction characteristics, and to some extent by analysis of finds.