18th-Century Shipwreck Unearthed at ‘Game of Thrones’ Filming Site

Speedy Summary

• Marine archeologists have confirmed the discovery of an 18th-century wooden shipwreck in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
• The wreck was first identified in April by underwater construction worker Ivan Bukelic while inspecting a pipeline near the city’s historic port.
• Radiocarbon analysis steadfast the vessel dates back to the late 18th century, but its exact type and dimensions remain undetermined.
• Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” has a long maritime history dating back to its prominence as a hub in the 13th century.
• Efforts are underway by marine archeologists and Croatia’s Ministry of culture to preserve this meaningful historical find for future generations.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
The discovery highlights global efforts toward preserving underwater cultural heritage, which offers lessons for nations like India with rich maritime histories dating to ancient times. As India endeavors to document and protect sites like Dwarka (believed submerged off Gujarat’s coast), international examples such as Croatia’s demonstrate how targeted cooperation between local governments and cultural ministries can yield valuable insights into past trade networks, shipbuilding technologies, and historical narratives. For India’s emerging efforts in ocean archaeology-such as those through INCOIS or NIOT-the Dubrovnik find underscores both scientific potential and preservation imperatives that could enhance India’s identity as a steward of its own expansive coastal heritage sites.