Anse de Laurons 2 - Roman Merchant Ship

Anse de Laurons 2 is the wreck of a small Roman period sailing vessel dating to the end of the 3rd century CE, which probably sank during a storm while sheltering in the shallow harbor at Laurons, just west of Marseille in modern France. At only about 15m in length and with an estimated displacement of around 30 tons, it probably only traded between small harbors along the local coastline. When it sank, the port-side was quickly covered in sediment ensuring excellent preservation up to the deck and even the railing. Rigging elements, a spare rudder, and possible fragments from wooden panels that may have covered the hold, along with rarely-preserved structures for supporting the side rudders (the side "wings" you see in a lot of Roman period art). This reconstruction is based on plans by R. Bockius. The decorative elements are hypothetical, based on contemporary paintings and mosaics. The initial excavation report is availble free here (in French): https://www.persee.fr/doc/nauti_0154-1854_1984_num_4_1_953