Pollen in ancient ship coatings reveals Roman waterproofing methods

Researchers analyzed a 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck and found its hull was coated with pine tar and a mixture of tar and beeswax. Pollen trapped in the coatings provided clues about the local vegetation during construction and repairs. This study combines molecular and pollen analysis to understand ancient naval technology.

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The wreck, discovered in 2016, yielded ten coating samples examined through mass spectrometry and pollen analysis. Researchers identified two distinct formulations: heated pine resin or tar across all samples, and one blend of beeswax and tar that Greek shipbuilders called zopissa, which offered greater flexibility and easier hot application. The collaboration between Croatia's Department for Underwater Archaeology and France's ADRIBOATS program highlights regional Adriatic shipbuilding traditions. The vessel's cargo of logs and amphoras, visible during excavation, adds