Alkedo

Alkedo is a preserved Roman shipwreck that sank in the 1st century AD, and was discovered during a construction project in Pisa, Italy.

Excavation
In 1998 construction began on a control center for the Rome-Genoa train line next to Pisa San Rossore. During the project, a series of shipwrecks numbering about thirty were discovered, including Alkedo.

Characteristics
Constructed of holm oak and pine, with an insert in the bow made of oak, it was rowed by twelve oarsmen, and used as a pleasure craft. The ship's nearly intact hull has been preserved well enough to make out the inscription on a tablet nailed to one of the rower's benches; the inscription states the five letters that make up the word "ALK (E) DO". Translated from Latin to mean "seagull", which is thought to be the name of the ship. Traces of red and white were visible on the external sides of the ship during its excavation, which indicates it was once painted. It is displayed next to a full size replica in the Museum of Ancient Ships in Pisa, Italy.