Stunning treasures unearthed after 366 years from wreck of Spanish galleon

366 years after the sinking of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, archaeologists have unearthed stunning treasures from the wreck.

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A team of archaeologists who explored the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas has uncovered stunning treasures. On the wreck of the ship, which sank 366 years ago, the researchers found a number of priceless artifacts. The researchers secured the preciosities and donated them to a maritime museum in the Bahamas.

In addition to its enormous historical value, the treasure found is also extremely valuable in material terms. Among the items that underwater archaeologists discovered and fished out are. Gold and silver coins, jewelry and gems.

The Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas, which should be translated as “Our Lady of Wonders,” sank in 1656 while sailing from Cuba to Spain. This took place off the coast of the Bahamas after the vessel collided with another Spanish ship. Interestingly, the galleon was carrying a much larger cargo than usual, as it was augmented with cargo from another ship that had recently sunk nearby.

The recovered valuables and the compiled documentation of the site are the result of two years of hard work by archaeologists. As you can see from the attached photos, the project was a great success. Especially since there have been several successful attempts to recover the cargo from the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas since the sinking.

Magnificent treasures from Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas

According to available information, almost 3.5 million items were retrieved from the wreck between 1656 and 1990. However, as you can see, the sea still hides its secrets and rewards those who persevere in their search. Even more so when they have modern technology on their side. This is what made it possible to find artifacts scattered over quite a large area of the archaeological site.

One of the most impressive items that archaeologists have unearthed is a gold chain measuring nearly two meters. No less impressive are a gold pendant set with emeralds and other elaborate gold and gem products. In addition, the researchers also excavated somewhat less spectacular items like porcelain and olive jars.

Photo: Bahamas Maritime Museum

Sweden is famous for its magnificent wrecks that rest at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. One of them is the magnificent Bodekull warship wreck from the 17th century, which we visited in 2021. You will read more about it in issue 19. the DIVERS24 quarterly magazine! The digital version of the magazine is available free of charge, while you can purchase the printed version in our online shop.