More
    HomeTechnologyAncient Roman Mystery in Brazilian Waters: Unearthing History’s Secrets

    Ancient Roman Mystery in Brazilian Waters: Unearthing History’s Secrets

    Published on

    spot_img
    Relaxing Environment 3d CG
    Relaxing Environment 3d CG

    It’s a discovery that has the potential to rewrite the history books, and it’s sitting underwater just off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

    Statue of Hercules
    Statue of Hercules

    The fascinating tale began in 1982 when treasure hunter and marine archaeologist Robert Marx unearthed a collection of ancient Roman amphoras in Guanabara Bay.

    famous
    famous

    If true, the implications are staggering: the Romans may have reached the shores of Brazil nearly 17 centuries before the Portuguese, challenging the long-held belief that Pedro Álvares Cabral was the first European to set foot on Brazilian soil.

    Roman Triumphal Arch, Ancient City of Tyre, Lebanon” by -Reji is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    Marx’s findings have been met with skepticism and controversy. The Brazilian government, at the time under a dictatorship, was quick to deny the possibility of a Roman presence in Brazil.

    Pompeii at sunset, ancient roman city against Vesuvius volcano, Italy
    Pompeii at sunset, ancient roman city against Vesuvius volcano, Italy

    This was not simply a matter of historical accuracy but also had deep religious and political implications. As Marx pointed out, “Brazilians don’t care about the past. And they don’t want to replace Cabral as the discoverer.”

    BAALBEK, LEBANON - October 2018: Baalbek Roman ruins details, ancient Roman town of Baalbek, Lebanon
    BAALBEK, LEBANON – October 2018: Baalbek Roman ruins details, ancient Roman town of Baalbek, Lebanon

    Such claims were considered blasphemous in a country with deep Catholic roots, and Marx was ultimately banned from further investigation.

    Getty Villa Museum ancient Greek and Roman art in a recreated Roman house. US California” by Ahala is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

    Despite the controversy, the amphoras’ credibility seemed to be endorsed by experts. Elizabeth Will, a professor at MIT, supported Marx’s findings by stating, “They look to be ancient and because of the profile, the thin-walled fabric and the shape of the rims I suggest they belong to the third century AD.”

    Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery – Greeks, Romans and Ancient Near East – headless statue” by ell brown is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    Yet, the Brazilian Navy charged Marx with possession of contraband, accusing him of violating his diving agreement and selling artifacts from shipwrecks.

    Ancient Roman Forum” by Trey Ratcliff is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    Allegations that he was pilfering artifacts were further complicated by a wealthy Brazilian businessman’s claim that he had intentionally dropped replicas of ancient jars in the bay.

    Ancient Roman Pompeii – Pompeji – Campania – Italy – July 10th 2013 – 32” by Norbert Nagel is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

    The debate over Marx’s discovery and the potential Roman presence in Brazil continues to this day.

    Mummy with painted cartonnage Roman Period ancient Egypt” by mharrsch is licensed under CC BY 2.0

    Many argue that the number of Roman artifacts found in the New World suggests a history that we are yet to fully understand.

    Mosaic of Hercules, Possibly made in North Africa, Roman period, about AD 200, Winning at the ancient Games, British Museum” by Following Hadrian is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    However, without the ability to conduct further underwater exploration, the truth remains buried beneath the silt and sand, and the Brazilian ban on underwater exploration remains a significant roadblock.

    Another view of the ancient Roman theater in Orange France 1st century BCE – 1st century CE (4)” by mharrsch is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    As Brazil gears up for events like the World Cup and the Olympics, attention to this intriguing historical puzzle wanes amidst modern festivities and construction.

    Widow’s Mite – Ancient Roman Bronze Coins” by IronRodArt – Royce Bair (‘Star Shooter’) is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    But for history buffs and military tech enthusiasts, the mystery of the Bay of Jars remains a captivating enigma, a whisper from the past that could dramatically alter our understanding of the world’s history. Whether it will ever be conclusively solved remains to be seen, but the allure of the unknown continues to draw the curious and the scholarly alike.

    Fragments of a relief of an imperial eagle that once flanked the statue of the emperor at the ancient Roman theater in Orange, France. 1st century CE” by mharrsch is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

    After all, the truth, like so much of history, may just be waiting to be unearthed from the depths.

    Latest articles

    F-15 Eagle’s Dominance: The Untold Story of Its First Combat Triumph

    In the annals of military aviation history, few aircraft have earned a reputation quite...

    Uncovering WWII Bombs: Germany’s Continuing Battle with Hidden Threats

    Every year, German land produces a chilling crop: roughly 2,000 tons of unexploded World...

    Clacton Spear Discovery Reshapes Early Hominid Hunting and Cognition Understanding

    The recent focus on the Clacton Spear, an old wooden object discovered in Clacton-on-Sea,...

    FN Five-seveN MRD: A New Era in Precision Handguns

    The FN Five-seveN has stood out in the modern firearms landscape for years, known...

    More like this

    F-15 Eagle’s Dominance: The Untold Story of Its First Combat Triumph

    In the annals of military aviation history, few aircraft have earned a reputation quite...

    Uncovering WWII Bombs: Germany’s Continuing Battle with Hidden Threats

    Every year, German land produces a chilling crop: roughly 2,000 tons of unexploded World...

    Clacton Spear Discovery Reshapes Early Hominid Hunting and Cognition Understanding

    The recent focus on the Clacton Spear, an old wooden object discovered in Clacton-on-Sea,...