The 9th century Yeni Kapi 14

In 2007, an excavation mission in the "Marmaray" area of Istanbul uncovered an ancient shipwreck, known as Yeni Kapi 14. This shipwreck, discovered one year after Yeni Kapi 11, represents a significant find in the field of underwater archaeology. The preservation of the vessel was remarkable, as parts of the hull were maintained in good condition while embedded in a thick layer of mud and sand, which protected the ship from damage by shipworms (Teredo navalis). The excavators believe that the shipwreck was likely buried quickly after sinking, possibly due to a storm. Although no cargo was discovered, the analysis of material found near the shipwreck, such as ceramics, and radiocarbon dating reveal that Yeni Kapi 14 dates to the first half of the 9th century.

Yeni Kapi 14 shipwreck during excavation. (Jones 2017)

Similarly to Yeni Kapi 11, the Yeni Kapi 14 represents another example of an ancient shipwreck that reveals the rich archaeological cultural heritage of Constantinople. The excavation and study of Yeni Kapi 14 offer further insight into maritime trade activities and the Black Sea region during antiquity. Additionally, the state of preservation of the wreck provides significant information about the structure and shipbuilding technology of the period, offering an opportunity for further understanding of ancient shipbuilding practices.

The keel of Yeni Kapi 14 during disassembly in 2007. (Jones 2017)

Hook scarf joint securing the keel sections of Yeni Kapi 14. (Jones 2017)

The Yeni Kapi 14 was constructed mostly from Turkish oak, while certain parts of the ship were made from Turkish hornbeam (Quercus cerris) and plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia). Its keel was also three-part and featured scarf joints, although they were smaller compared to most round ships of the same period. The keel was secured with keyed hook scarfs, of which only one, near the bow of the ship, was fastened with an iron nail.

The planking boards had a width between 20-25 cm – with the exception of the slightly thicker stringers. From the stringers up to the first wale, where the waterline was estimated to be, the planks were connected using wooden dowels. However, the wale and the immediately next row of planks had no joints, leading to the conclusion that the remaining rows of planks were placed after the internal frames had first been erected. Similarly to the Yeni Kapi 11, the ship's seams were caulked with a combination of grass and pine resin, which again was used as a sealing material to eliminate the surfaces of the hull.

Intact dowel protruding from the edge of plank SS 1-1, Yeni Kapi 14. (Jones 2017)

The planks of the ship were fastened to the keel with wooden pegs, which were reinforced by the insertion of iron nails, and both categories were diagonally placed from the exterior side of the hull. In each individual plank series, the planks were joined together with S-shaped scarfs, which were then secured with two or three dowels. In certain sections of the hull, on the inner surface of the planking, marks were found that were used both for aligning the joints where the dowels would be placed and for marking the ends of each frame.

Additionally, unlike other round ships of the period, the frames of the Yeni Kapi 14 were relatively lighter. Furthermore, after the curvature of the bottom timbers, the dimensions of the section of the frames were significantly smaller than the previous ones. In fact, while the planking of earlier ships usually consisted of alternating frames with chocks, this one was constructed with flat frames in an L shape, the longer part of which extended beyond the curvature of the bottom timbers up to the plank row above the first floor timber. The smaller sections of the frames were connected via scarfs with the futtocks. The individual frames of the hull were fastened to the planking with one or two wooden pegs per row of planks, which were usually reinforced with iron nails in the area of the bottom timbers.

Like Yeni Kapi 11, the hull of Yeni Kapi 14 showed traces of numerous repairs. The use of recycled construction materials, originating from sections of other ships' hulls, the subsequent reinforcement of pre-existing connections, traces of later caulking of plank seams, and the overlay of certain areas that had suffered damage with pine resin were all observed. All of the above indicate that the vessel was extensively used prior to its sinking, thus requiring multiple repairs at various points.

Preserved L-shaped frames of Yeni Kapi 14 during the 2007 excavation. (Jones 2017)

The construction of the Yeni Kapi 14 represents advanced shipbuilding technology of its time. The use of futtocks and iron nails to secure the frames to the keel, as well as the methods of connecting planks with scarfs and the use of pitch and pine resin for caulking the seams, are indications of the advanced technological knowledge and craftsmanship of ancient shipbuilders.

a) and b) Stratigraphic profile of sediments within the YK 14 shipwreck during excavation. (M. Jones/INA).

The Yeni Kapi 14 shipwreck reflects the social context and economic dynamics of its time. The presence of such a vessel and its extensive use demonstrate the importance of maritime trade for the economy and society of the era. It also highlights the need for continuous repair and maintenance of ships due to the harsh marine environment, as well as the necessity for technological innovations to improve vessel performance and safety.

Bibliography

Jones, M. R. 2017. “The Hull Construction of Yenikapı 14 (YK 14), a Middle Byzantine Shipwreck from Constantinople’s Theodosian Harbour, Istanbul, Turkey,” in The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (2017) 46.2, 253–283.

Liphschitz, N. and Pulak, C. 2009, “Shipwrecks of Portus Theodosiacus. Types of Wood Used in Some Byzantine Roundships and Longships found at Yenikapı, Istanbul,” in Skyllis: Zeitschrift ur Unterwasserarch aologie 9.2, 164–171.

Pomey, P., Kahanov, Y. and Ricth, E. 2012. “Transition from Shell to Skeleton in Ancient Mediterranean Ship-Construction: analysis, problems, and future research,” in The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (2012) 41.2, 235–314.

Pulak, C., Ingram, R. and Jones, M. 2015. “Eight Byzantine Shipwrecks from the Theodosian Harbour Excavations at Yenikapı in Istanbul, Turkey: An Introduction” in The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology (2015) 44.1, 39–73.