Bay of Algeciras: Underwater City of Shipwrecks Found

Spanish archaeologists have identified 151 underwater archaeological sites, including 124 shipwrecks, within the 29-square-mile Bay of Algeciras. These significant discoveries, made between 2020 and 2023, span multiple historical periods, from the ancient Punic and Roman civilizations to the medieval and modern eras. The findings underscore the bay's long-standing importance as a critical maritime crossroads.

The research indicates that climate change is playing a role in revealing these submerged historical treasures. Shifts in ocean currents and sediment patterns are causing previously hidden shipwrecks to surface. Among the notable finds are wrecks from the 5th century BC, vessels from the Napoleonic Wars, and even an Italian 'Pig' submarine from World War II.

Researchers utilized advanced geophysical techniques, including multibeam echosounders and magnetometers, to map the seabed and identify anomalies. They stress the importance of documenting and protecting these vulnerable sites, which offer invaluable insights into maritime traffic, trade, and technology. While current explorations have focused on depths up to 10 meters, the bay reaches depths of 400 meters, suggesting the potential for even older prehistoric remains to be discovered.