Archaeologists from the International Center for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar have discovered a treasure trove of rare and valuable brass trumpets. These artifacts, produced in the Dutch city of Leiden and Strasbourg, France, were found in a 16th-century shipwreck near Cape Kamenjak, off the southern coast of Istria, Croatia.
The shipwreck, discovered by a team from the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, led by Dr. Luka Bekić and Maja Kaleb, was initially uncovered off the coast of Premantura, Croatia. Over the years, previous excavations had revealed iron cannons and various pottery fragments. However, the recent dive yielded a more significant find: a large number of brass trumpets, considered exceptionally rare and costly in the 16th century.
Dr. Bekić stated: “These trumpets were transported in pieces. Based on the number of parts, we estimate there were over ten trumpets. Globally, fewer than ten 16th-century trumpets exist in known museums.” One of the most well-preserved trumpets bore the inscription “LVGDVNY BATAVORVM,” the Latin name for Leiden, the Netherlands, confirming the origin of these musical instruments.
No similar trumpets from Leiden or Strasbourg have been preserved anywhere in the world, making this find unique. The ship’s cargo also included beads, ceramic vessels, and a bright red glass bowl, further indicating the ship’s Dutch origins and its involvement in trade between Leiden, Venice, and Constantinople.
The ship, believed to have sunk during a sudden storm, is thought to have been transporting a load of grain to Venice, which was experiencing famine at the time. The presence of northern European ceramics alongside the trumpets has strengthened the hypothesis of the ship’s Dutch ancestry.
The ongoing excavation and documentation efforts have been supported by advanced technology. Team member Roko Surić explained: “Today, we can create a photogrammetric model using digital methods, which shortens diving time and allows for precise documentation of the site segment we are investigating, ultimately giving us a complete picture of the site.”
The well-preserved remains of the ship, including wooden pulleys and ropes, have been meticulously recorded and protected to prevent further deterioration. Iron cannons and anchors from the wreck are being cleaned and documented, with innovative protective measures applied to preserve them for future tourist divers.
The archaeological team, in collaboration with the Pula Police Intervention Unit and international partners from Slovakia, Germany, Slovenia, and Spain, plans to continue excavating the shipwreck and analyzing its artifacts. They hope to uncover more of the ship’s equipment, such as ropes or pulley systems.
Dr. Bekić emphasized the importance of this find for both historical research and tourism. “New discoveries mean new opportunities for divers to explore fresh locations. This site will attract both new and experienced divers looking for novel experiences,” said Robert Lehotkaj of the Diving Center Indije.
The trumpets, after undergoing meticulous restoration, are expected to be displayed in Pula, while the ship’s remains will stay submerged, protected by a state-of-the-art method implemented for the first time in this project.
I am fascinated by the shipwreck off the coast of Croatia, from which some trumpets were discovered. As editor of the Historic Brass Society Journal, I should very much like to communicate with the leader of the research team, in hopes that he might be willing to write an article for this journal.