SPANISH researchers have discovered a trove of 134 wrecked ships at the bottom of the sea off Gibraltar – in what they say represents an unparalleled historical record stretching back to Roman times.
Marine archaeologists behind the bombshell discovery claim the waters around the Rock are effectively a giant underwater graveyard, littered with vessels destroyed by war, storms and centuries of intense maritime traffic.
The find was made in the Bay of Algeciras as part of the Herakles Project, led by experts from the University of Cadiz.
Researchers identified a staggering 151 underwater archaeological sites, including shipwrecks dating from the fifth century BC through to World War II.
Among the relics are the remains of Punic trading ships, Roman vessels, medieval Islamic boats and even an 18th-century Spanish gunboat known as Puente Mayorga IV.
Experts say the narrow Strait of Gibraltar became a deadly bottleneck for ships over thousands of years, as empires battled for control of one of the world’s most strategic sea routes.
The seabed around the Rock has long been feared by sailors because of its treacherous currents and sudden weather changes.
Researchers believe countless ships sank while waiting to cross the strait, colliding in storms or falling victim to enemy attacks.
Using advanced sonar scans, magnetometers and digital mapping tools, the team documented dozens of previously unknown wrecks buried beneath layers of sand and sediment.
But scientists warn the underwater treasure trove is now under threat from modern shipping, port expansion, dredging operations and even climate change.
Rising sea levels and shifting currents could destroy wrecks that have remained hidden for more than 2,400 years.
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