Miners working for the De Beers Group discovered a collection of copper ingots and the remnants of elephant ivory while excavating in Namibia in early 2008. Further investigation revealed that the remains of the Bom Jesus had been found scattered in three locations along the coast.
The Bom Jesus set sail from Lisbon (Portugal) in March 1533, intending to reach the Indies. After a storm struck the ship, it disappeared without a trace, and its fate was the subject of speculation for nearly 500 years.
Archaeologists unearthed approximately 2,000 gold coins, hundreds of kilograms of copper ingots, and a range of artifacts. These coins are an important source of information about the trade and economy of the Portuguese Empire.
Furthermore, coins from France, Italy, and Muslim states were found, providing a detailed map of the trade network.
Timothy Insoll from Manchester University said the remains of the ship offered valuable insight into life in the 16th century.
"This is a very significant find, particularly the supporting items like the religious artifacts and clothing, which can give us fascinating insights into what was a very important period of history," he told The Jerusalem Post.
The Bom Jesus also carried around 100 elephant tusks, which offered ecologists insights into the history of Africa's elephant populations.
The Jasper House Museum in Namibia launched an exhibition of the treasures discovered in the shipwreck in August 2024.
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