A single human tooth which was found buried deep in the lower sediment of a Phoenician shipwreck could have huge archaeological consequences. The shipwreck was found off Gozo 14 years ago with the tooth being the first human remain found on the wreck discovered in 2007. Marine archeologist Timmy Gambin explained how the lower, right, first molar probably belonged to a young person since it had little wear and the internal pulp chamber was large.
The implications are huge, Gambin explained, as he and his team are looking to collaborate with International experts to carbon date the tooth and then look at the DNA to determine possible links with modern Maltese genetics. The shipwreck was one of only seven discovered Phoenician shops in the world, and the tooth could help give more insight into the people aboard the ship.
The shipwreck is situated at a depth of 110m off Xlendi Bay in Gozo, consisting of an intact and well-preserved mixed cargo ship datable to the 7th century BC. This year brought the exploration to an end as all that could be done with today’s technology was done, said Gambin.
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Photo Source: Times of Malta, TripAdvisor, Look and Learn