French officials have announced the discovery of Camarat 4, the deepest shipwreck ever found in French waters. The 16th-century vessel, identified off the coast of Ramatuelle in southeastern France, was located at a depth of over one-and-a-half miles. The ship’s cargo, which includes remarkably preserved Italian ceramics with Christian symbols, provides a unique glimpse into early modern European history.
The site was found by a French Navy unit during a military operation in March, and the findings were revealed by the French Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research (DRASSM) in a Facebook post on June 11. The ship, measuring 30 meters in length and 7 meters in width, is described as a large navigation unit. The artifacts, including 200 visible polychrome faience pitchers featuring the Christogram IHS, suggest a significant role for Christianity in the era. The ship’s untouched state at depth has preserved it from degradation and plundering, offering a rare opportunity for scholarly study.
Additional shipwrecks were also found this year in Ireland and Spain, indicating a surge in underwater archaeological discoveries across Europe. Off the coast of Ireland, underwater archaeologists recently found an 18th-century vessel believed to be a long-lost treasure ship. In Spain, an early modern shipwreck was discovered beneath a former fish market, highlighting the diverse locations where such historical finds are emerging.
Historians and archaeologists are eagerly awaiting further analysis of the Camarat 4 site to unlock more details about the vessel’s origins, its journey, and the cultural exchanges that may have occurred during its time at sea. The Christogram IHS, a symbol of Jesus Christ, found on many of the ceramics, underscores the profound influence of Christianity in the 16th century. This discovery not only enriches our understanding of maritime trade routes but also offers insights into the artistry and religious practices of the period.
While the significance of Camarat 4 lies primarily in its historical and cultural value, the event highlights the importance of marine archaeology in preserving and interpreting the remnants of the past. France’s commitment to underwater exploration is evident in the continued efforts of institutions like DRASSM, which play a crucial role in safeguarding and studying these underwater heritage sites. As more such discoveries are made, they contribute to a broader narrative of human history, connecting the present with the past through the artifacts and stories they reveal.