Ancient Roman Ship Coating Reveals Secrets Hidden for 2,200 Years

Researchers analyzed coating layers from the 2,200-year-old Ilovik–Paržine 1 Roman shipwreck off Croatia.

They identified pine-resin pitch and a second blend of pitch with beeswax, showing advanced waterproofing materials.

Pollen trapped in the coatings revealed where the materials came from and suggested repeated repair or reapplication over the ship’s life.

The findings shed light on Roman shipbuilding, maintenance practices, and ancient Adriatic trade networks.