Saint Gervais II wreck

About

The Saint Gervais II Shipwreck is a sevenh century shipwreck discovered off Fos-sur-mer in 1978 during harp dredging operations. The vessel has been argued to be an early example of frame first construction, previously only Yassiada 1 Wreck. The vessel is of interest for its bilge pump which is possibly the earlier example yet discovered.

Other objects of note are African Spatheion-type amphorae, a Merovingian cockle flat, and a follis minted in Carthage being the portrait of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius dated to 611/2. However, much of the material culture was saved at the time of the sinking. The bulk transportation of wheat was discovered from it preservation in pitch spilt from amphorae.