The "la Boscaina" and "la Ferrara" ships

Mortella shipwreck 2 and 3 (1527)

Since ancient times, Corsica has been an island coveted for its central and strategic location in the western Mediterranean. In the north, the Bay of Saint-Florent has always been a gateway to the Mediterranean world, a place of cultural and commercial exchange and a theatre of confrontation between the great European nations.

Given the richness of this maritime area, the Centre d’Etudes d’Archeologie Nautique -CEAN- (ex-SEAS) has set itself the objective of identifying the shipwrecks and underwater archaeological remains that bear witness to its eventful history. This is why a programme of archaeological prospection was launched in 2005.

The wreck of the Mortella, near the ruins of the Genoese Tower of Mortella, which gave it its name, was located in the Bay of Saint-Florent (Sardinia – Italy).

Archaeology

From the location of the sites to their excavation in several campaigns between 2010 and 2021.

Archaeometry

Valuable information about the history of the ships and their construction techniques can be extracted from the movable material remains of the wrecks.

History

A look at the history of ships and the causes of their sinking

Photogrammetry

Documentation techniques such as photogrammetry are fundamental in the process of archaeological excavation, documentation and subsequent dissemination of the results.

Shipbuilding

Numerous data provided by shipwrecks on shipbuilding techniques in the Mediterranean in the 16th century

Credits

Bibliography, researchers and project partners