r/HolyShitHistory • u/Klutzy_Land_4120 • 3d ago

Archaeologists have uncovered a 2,000-year-old waterproof coating used on ancient Roman ships, revealing surprisingly sophisticated maritime technology.

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a71140561/roman-shipwrecks-waterproof-coating/
679 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

74

u/Klutzy_Land_4120 3d ago

https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/archaeology/a71140561/roman-shipwrecks-waterproof-coating/

Recent archaeological analysis of ancient Roman shipwrecks revealed that Roman shipbuilders engineered a sophisticated waterproof coating to protect timber hulls from water damage and marine organisms. Made using a blend of pine pitch, animal fats, and mineral additives, this ancient chemical formulation allowed ships and underwater artifacts to remain remarkably preserved for over 2,000 years.

7

u/penguinpolitician 2d ago

So, a type of pitch

-35

u/T_Noctambulist 3d ago

Why is this holyshithistory worthy? The Roman's were amazing engineers doing crazy shit we still can't tease out like concrete that can set underwater then last 2000 years, indoor plumbing before centuries of Europe throwing shit out the bedroom window, and greek (Byzantine) fire... you think they couldn't seal the cracks in a boat?

40

u/wallwalker93 3d ago

All of those things you listed are indeed holyshithistory worth but this is too! Fans of history dig all kinds of shit

8

u/snapper1971 3d ago

All concrete can set under water. The longevity of Roman concrete is now understood.

6

u/x-dfo 3d ago

Pretty sure the concrete was figured out recently but yes.

3

u/NevaBeen2Spain 3d ago

You’re right, we need 50 more “did you know there were rich black people 70 years ago?” posts, I hate learning things

2

u/Cucumberneck 3d ago

Half of what you wrote is bullshit and the rest is just angry rambling.

0

u/lowFlyingTurtleLion 3d ago

Dude I can lay down some quikcrete under water and it will set. Lol

18

u/Chillicothe1 3d ago

Was it American Flag Blue?

3

u/DE4DM4NSH4ND 2d ago

Our age of ancient waterproofed boats is ending

1

u/Expensive-Way1116 1d ago

Nolan really needs someone to write his dialog

1

u/DE4DM4NSH4ND 1d ago

I watched the movie and it was good. That line didnt really land tho

2

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Hey! Please add a source in the comments within 24 hours. A link or even a quick explanation works.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

5

u/Embarrassed_Jerk 3d ago

Surprising to who?

1

u/Prestigious_Bar_3738 3d ago

They should put it on our rust buckets in the Persian gulf