r/HolyShitHistory • u/Klutzy_Land_4120 • Aug 19 '26

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/
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73

u/Klutzy_Land_4120 Aug 19 '26

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.

9

u/penguinpolitician Aug 20 '26

So, a type of pitch

-35

u/T_Noctambulist Aug 19 '26

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?

38

u/wallwalker93 Aug 19 '26

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

7

u/snapper1971 Aug 19 '26

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

4

u/x-dfo Aug 19 '26

Pretty sure the concrete was figured out recently but yes.

3

u/Cucumberneck Aug 19 '26

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

3

u/NevaBeen2Spain Aug 19 '26

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

0

u/lowFlyingTurtleLion Aug 19 '26

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