Bruni says more treasures may lurk in the mud. We knew the site might have artifacts of archaeological value, but nothing like this. Among artifacts recovered so far are the remains of rope used to tie the boats in harbor and the hull of a ship found under 18 feet of mud. Hundreds of jars, or amphorae, that once contained fruit, olives, wine and oil have also been unearthed. The jars will help confirm the age of the wooden ships, which will be carbon dated.
Several theories abound as to how the ships got buried.
Some archaeologists think a giant flash flood may have overwhelmed the vessels, while others believe that various maritime accidents, storms and floods may have sunk the vessels at different times.