Coming across a perfectly intact artifact is a huge discovery. We can get a glimpse into the past, learning about cultures, lifestyles, and more. So when the best preserved shipwrecks from around the world were uncovered, they brought new discoveries. If you want to learn about the most preserved shipwrecks, then keep reading and take a look at history.
6. RMS Lusitania, 1915
One of the best-preserved shipwrecks from around the world is the RMS Lusitania, which sunk in 1915. The British ocean liner launched in 1906 and was the world’s largest passenger ship until the completion of her sister, Mauritania, which was finished three months later. She sunk on her 202nd trans-Atlantic crossing by the German submarine U-20, killing over 1,000 passengers. The sinking of this ship, and finding it, holds more significance than the wreck itself in the context of World War I.
5. USS Arizona, 1941
Another important piece of history that still sits in the water is the USS Arizona, a battleship that sank during the Japanese attack on the naval base at Pearl Harbor, Oahu Island, Hawaii in 1941. More than 1,170 crewmen were killed. The ship sank in about 40 feet of water, though some parts were not submerged, but unlike other vessels that sank at Pearl Habor, it was not raised. In 1958, the memorial was created, allowing visitors to pay their respects.
4. Dokos, 2700-2300BC
Unlike the previous entries, this is one of the best preserved shipwrecks that gives more of an insight into history. The Dokos shipwreck is the oldest underwater shipwreck discovered and known to archeologists, dating back to the Proto-Helladic period. While the ship itself was gone, the cargo site of hundreds of clay vases and other ceramic items carried aboard the ship remained. This means that four thousand-year-old remains were discovered, giving us a glimpse into the past.
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3. Vasa, 1628
Built as a flagship of the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, Vasa was raised in a remarkable state in 1961 and is one of the best preserved shipwrecks in the world. The ship sunk in 1628, and is currently housed in the Royal National City Park in Stockholm. Since her recovery, Vasa has become a widely recognized symbol of the Swedish Empire.
2. Sutton Hoo, 625AD
Interestingly enough, Sutton Hoo wasn’t a passenger ship, but a burial ship, and is considered one of the best preserved shipwrecks from around the world. A burial mound that was found showed an imprint of a decayed ship and a central chamber filled with treasures. The discovery was made in 1939, but unfortunately, the grave was empty.
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1. San Jose, 1708
The 64-gun, three-masted galleon launched in 1698 and sank in battle in 1708 during the battle off Baru Island. The ship, San Jose, sunk laden with gold, silver, and emeralds worth about $17 billion today, and is number one on the list of best preserved shipwrecks from around the world. Not only does this shipwreck give us a glimpse into history, but the fabled Spanish treasure is another reason for its importance.
