The ship “Bom Jesus,” which set sail from Lisbon on March 7, 1533, was lost at sea during a fierce storm on its way to India. The remnants of the shipwreck lay buried in the sands for centuries.
In 2008, diamond miners conducting geological surveys near the southwestern coast of Africa, close to the mining town of Oranjemund, stumbled upon the wreckage.
Archaeologists investigating this remarkable find discovered over 2,000 gold and silver coins, numerous copper ingots, and other valuable artifacts aboard the ship. Surprisingly, all the treasures were remarkably well-preserved. This discovery shed light on the maritime history of that era, as well as the trade routes that were vital to the Portuguese Empire.
So how did the ship end up in the desert?
Researchers believe that the “Bom Jesus” sank after it got too close to shore, colliding with a rock and capsizing. As the coastline receded over the centuries, the ship ended up buried in the sands of the desert, where it was eventually found.
The excellent preservation of the ship and its cargo can be attributed to the unique environmental conditions of the Namibian desert, which protected the artifacts from the ravages of time.
Dieter Noli, the chief archaeologist at the South African Institute of Marine Archaeological Research, noted that this coastline is notoriously known for its storms. Therefore, it’s not surprising that a ship met its tragic fate here. However, this discovery is undoubtedly significant, particularly because the ship had been carrying gold and silver coins for nearly 500 years, which helped researchers identify the “Bom Jesus.” The coins, dated to the early 16th century, provided archaeologists with valuable insights into the economic conditions and trading practices of that time.
According to Dr. Noli, the pristine condition of the coins is due to the fact that the chest containing them was buried beneath the massive structure of the ship.
Further excavations revealed a plethora of artifacts, including bronze bowls, cannons, swords, a musket, navigational instruments, ceramics, and textiles. Besides the coins, the most significant finds included 1,845 copper ingots weighing around 17 tons and 105 elephant tusks. All these rarities indicate the sophistication and complexity of the trading routes of that era.
The ship and its cargo have been classified as “a state vessel belonging to the King of Portugal.” However, the Portuguese government generously allowed Namibia to keep the treasure. This decision reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries, as reported by Arkeonews.
Meanwhile, the “Bom Jesus” stands as the oldest and most valuable evidence of a shipwreck that occurred off the western coast of Africa, south of the Sahara. Discussions are currently underway about the potential creation of a museum to showcase the magnificent artifacts recovered during the excavations. Such a museum could serve as an educational resource for future generations interested in the rich maritime history of the region.