Investigations of a Mid-16th Century Iberian Transatlantic Merchant Shipwreck in the Dominican Republic

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)", at the 2024 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Indiana University is conducting underwater archaeological investigations on a mid-16th century Iberian transatlantic merchant ship in collaboration with the Dominican Republic Ministry of Culture. The site was impacted by commercial salvage from 2011 to 2013. However, current investigations indicate significant site integrity, including evidence of ship hull construction, artillery, anchors, and cargo. Analysis of this cargo determined that the shipwreck represents international commerce and the early colonization of the Americas in the 1500s. This international trade is exemplified by goods from Spain, England, Germany, and Flanders. The ultimate goal following academic investigations is to protect this site’s unique underwater cultural heritage and associated biology as a “Living Museum of the Sea” within the newly established Southeast Reefs Marine Sanctuary.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2024   •
• Paper / Report Submission (General Sessions)

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Nicole Haddow