Sunken Treasures: 22 tonnes of gold identified in wrecks off the coast of Portugal
The Portuguese coastline between the islands of the Azores and Madeira is full of ancient shipwrecks, some of which are believed to contain immense quantities of gold. Maritime archaeologist Alexandre Monteiro reveals the secrets of these underwater treasures that could redefine our understanding of maritime history.
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An underwater gold mine
Priceless riches lost at sea. Alexandre Monteiro, an archaeologist and researcher at Nova University of Lisbon, has identified nearly 8,620 shipwrecks in the Azores and Madeira region, and of them, 250 are believed to contain significant quantities of gold. These discoveries rely on a detailed database of shipwrecks dating back to the 16th century, a period from which historical records become more abundant.
The golden wrecks of Portugal
The Portuguese coasts are dotted with historic wreckssome containing real fortunes. Among the most notable discoveries, Monteiro cites the Spanish ship Our Lady of the Rosarysupposedly responsible for 22 tons of gold and silver. Unfortunately, the exact location of this wreck remains unknown, adding a veil of mystery and intrigue around this potential treasure.
A submerged fortune: the astronomical value of sunken gold
A treasure worth billions. According to current estimates, the price of a ton of gold is around 56 million euros. By multiplying this amount by the 22 tons of gold that the ship would contain Our Lady of the Rosarythe total value would amount to around 1.23 billion euros. This impressive calculation highlights not only the immense monetary value of the wreck, but also the potential impact of its discovery on the economy and cultural heritage. It is crucial to remember that the price of gold is very volatile, influenced by economic and geopolitical factors which can cause its value to fluctuate on international markets.
Safety of Submerged Treasures
Protected by the depths. The vast majority of these treasures remain safe from looters thanks to the depth at which the ships sank. This situation has a double advantage: it protects treasures from any attempt at illegal recovery while preserving the sites in their original historic state.
A neglected heritage
Despite the inestimable value of these discoveries for Portugal's cultural and economic heritage, the government has yet to take concrete measures to protect these sites. The research of Monteiro is publicly accessible and has been communicated to Portuguese officials, but no action has been taken to secure these areas against potential risks, including construction projects that could threaten them.
Pressure for preservation
The local scientific community is pushing for more proactive action from the government to preserve these historic ships. Although the wrecks are safe from looting, construction projects represent a real threat to these siteswhich could be irreparably damaged or lost.
The urgency of a conservation strategy
The need for a government intervention. Without a clear strategy for the conservation of these sites, Portugal risks losing part of its maritime history, as well as the economic opportunities associated with these discoveries. It is crucial that protection plans and recovery of these wrecks are quickly put in place.
The challenge of localization and protection
Precisely identifying the location of these ships is a major challenge. However, for Monteiro, the most important work lies in the active protection of these sites. Awareness of their value and the urgency of securing them must become a priority for the competent authorities.
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This article explores Alexandre Monteiro's revelations about treasure-laden shipwrecks off the coast of Portugal, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of these discoveries, as well as the urgency of protecting these historic sites in the face of government inaction.
Source : Euronews
