A veritable treasure trove, including exceptionally rare brass trumpets, has been found on board a 16th-century shipwreck by archaeologists with Croatia’s International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA).

The unknown sailing ship, which was armed with English iron cannons, sank off the southern coast of Istria, near Cape Kamenjak, in Croatia. The ship likely experienced trouble during storms, which ultimately led to its demise.

At the time, the ship was carrying various goods, including ceramic vessels, colorful glass beads, and red glass bowls. But recent excavations have also found a cargo of brass trumpets on board the sunken vessel. The objects were extremely rare and expensive during the 16^th century. 

Luka Bekić of the ICUA told Croatian Radiotelevision that seems they were likely "more than ten" of these instruments, which were being transported in pieces.

The archaeologists have identified inscriptions on trumpets that state where they were created, which include Strasbourg, France, and Leiden, in the Netherlands. The best-preserved example includes the inscription “LVGDVNY BATAVORVM”, which is the Latin name for Leiden.

“Until now, no trumpets from those cities were known or have been preserved anywhere in the world,” the ICUA explained in a statement.

An examination of the cargo and other details on the vessel has led archaeologists to think the ship was likely Dutch and was trading between Leiden, Venice, and Constantinople (modern Istanbul). However, this is far from being conclusive; the researchers will have to spend several more years investigating the cargo and the ship’s other archives for more conclusive answers.

Excavation of the site has also found materials belonging to the ship itself, including wooden structures, pieces of ropes, and wooden pulleys. Archaeologists have also found three cannons that will remain in situ while they consider the best methods to safely remove them from the sea floor.

The researchers are using digital methods, including photogrammetric models, to help document the segments of the ship that have already been examined. This technique in particular will help create a fuller picture of the site when the research finishes.

The cannons and the ship’s anchor will be preserved for diving tourists to visit in the years to come.