Archaeologists Uncover 300-Year-Old Shipwreck Buried in Sand Dunes – A Mystery Superfood Found in Its Cargo

A 300-year-old shipwreck has been revealed near a coastal village after strong winds shifted the sand dunes that had concealed it for centuries. However, the most surprising discovery was hidden within its cargo hold—large quantities of a now well-known superfood.

Tracing the Origins of the Ship

Experts studying the vessel suggest that its construction techniques point to the 18th century, with a design possibly originating from Russia, specifically from the Volga Basin or the Caucasus region.

Dimensions and Remains of the Wreck

Excavations have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved section of the wooden hull, measuring 28 meters in length. The remains include the keel, planking, wooden framework, hull panels, bulkheads, and even fragments of two masts.

Inside the wreck, archaeologists discovered ropes, mats, remnants of rope ladders, and three baskets containing plant material—offering a fascinating glimpse into the ship’s original cargo.

The Archaeobotanical Analysis

Further analysis of the plant remains revealed that the baskets contained fruits and seeds from six plant families, six genera, and five distinct species. The majority of the findings consisted of buckwheat—a crop for which Russia is now the world’s leading producer.

Examinations of the ship's wooden components indicate that it was primarily built using pine (Scots pine) and spruce, while an additional tool found aboard was crafted from poplar wood.

Shedding Light on Maritime Trade

According to a study published in the Journal of Maritime Archaeology, the discovery provides valuable insight into maritime trade and agricultural activity in the Caspian region during the 18th century.

"The findings suggest that this vessel played a significant role in transporting agricultural goods along key trade routes in the region," researchers noted.

This unexpected discovery not only unveils details about historical trade networks but also raises intriguing questions about the role of certain staple crops—such as buckwheat—in shaping global food systems centuries ago.