2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck reveals ancient waterproofing secrets

Researchers analyzing the Ilovik-Paržine 1 shipwreck, which sank off the coast of what is now Croatia about 2,200 years ago, found its hull coated with pine tar and in one area a mixture of tar and beeswax. Pollen trapped in the coatings acted as a geographic fingerprint, revealing the local vegetation surrounding the ship when repairs were made and offering insight into ancient Mediterranean shipbuilding techniques and traditions.