Systematic archaeological research of the underwater part of the Trstenik archaeological site in Kaštel Sućurac continued from November 3 to November 14, 2023. Previous research has revealed the submerged remains of a Roman-era port complex that stretched in front of the mouth of the Trstenik stream.
Numerous remains testify to the existence of a dynamic pier with an operational shore that was over 100 m long. Various materials were used for construction, such as wooden pylons and Spanish amphorae, and the sunken wooden ships placed along the outside of the wooden structure are especially interesting.
Three ships have been found so far, and the goal of this year's campaign was to investigate and document the third ship, which was discovered in 2020.
As with the other ships investigated, this one was laid out in an east-west direction and filled with rocks. The ship's structure is exceptionally well preserved, and its original length was about 10 m. In addition to the investigation of Trstenik 3, wood samples from Trstenik 2 were also taken for analysis.
The research was led by Dr. Irena Radić Rossi from the University of Zadar, with the participation of an international team of underwater archaeologists and divers. Archaeologist Vedran Katavić and documentary filmmaker Dominik Žanić from the Kaštela City Museum participated in the research.
The research was financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Kaštela and the Split-Dalmatia County from the program for the development, protection and valorization of maritime heritage in the Split-Dalmatia County.
Video/Photo: MGK
