Arade River Shipwrecks - Revision history

FilipeCastro: /* References */

2010-12-08T17:56:17Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:56, 8 December 2010
Line 153:		Line 153:
	16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.		16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.

−	17. Monteiro, P., Pinheiro, S. & Alves, F., "Arade 23: a arqueografia de um naufrágio através de Site Recorder 4: problemática e metodologia" in Congresso de Aplicações Informáticas à Arqueologia – CAAPortugal 2007. Leiria: Associação para o Desenvolvimento das Aplicações Informáticas e Novas Tecnologias Aplicadas à Arqueologia, ~~2008. No prelo~~.	+	17. Monteiro, P., Pinheiro, S. & Alves, F., "Arade 23: a arqueografia de um naufrágio através de Site Recorder 4: problemática e metodologia" in Congresso de Aplicações Informáticas à Arqueologia – CAAPortugal 2007. Leiria: Associação para o Desenvolvimento das Aplicações Informáticas e Novas Tecnologias Aplicadas à Arqueologia, forthcoming.

FilipeCastro: /* References */

2010-12-08T17:55:34Z

References

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 8 December 2010
Line 153:		Line 153:
	16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.		16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.

−	17. ~~Alves,~~ Monteiro ~~and~~ Pinheiro, "Arade 23~~, Arqueografia~~ de um ~~Naufragio Atraves~~ de Site Recorder 4 ~~Problematica~~ e ~~Metodologia~~" (2007)	+	17. Monteiro, P., Pinheiro, S. & Alves, F., "Arade 23: a arqueografia de um naufrágio através de Site Recorder 4: problemática e metodologia" in Congresso de Aplicações Informáticas à Arqueologia – CAAPortugal 2007. Leiria: Associação para o Desenvolvimento das Aplicações Informáticas e Novas Tecnologias Aplicadas à Arqueologia, 2008. No prelo.

FilipeCastro at 23:41, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T23:41:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:41, 7 December 2010
Line 34:		Line 34:
	[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]		[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]
	Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.		Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.
−	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.~~gif~~\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]	+	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
	In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.		In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.
	[[File:Hist08.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 8 - The Arade River mouth after a 1970 map showing the recharge of Praia da Rocha with the sediments dredged (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist09.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 9 - The Arade River mouth after the dredging works, after a 1970 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]		[[File:Hist08.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 8 - The Arade River mouth after a 1970 map showing the recharge of Praia da Rocha with the sediments dredged (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist09.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 9 - The Arade River mouth after the dredging works, after a 1970 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]

FilipeCastro at 23:38, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T23:38:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 7 December 2010
Line 34:		Line 34:
	[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]		[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]
	Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.		Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.
−	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]	+	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.gif\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
	In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.		In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.
	[[File:Hist08.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 8 - The Arade River mouth after a 1970 map showing the recharge of Praia da Rocha with the sediments dredged (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist09.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 9 - The Arade River mouth after the dredging works, after a 1970 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]		[[File:Hist08.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 8 - The Arade River mouth after a 1970 map showing the recharge of Praia da Rocha with the sediments dredged (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist09.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 9 - The Arade River mouth after the dredging works, after a 1970 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]

FilipeCastro: /* The Arade River Mouth */

2010-12-07T23:23:27Z

The Arade River Mouth

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:23, 7 December 2010
Line 32:		Line 32:

	As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.		As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.
−	[[File:Hist04.~~gif~~\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]	+	[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]
	Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.		Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.
	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]		[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]

FilipeCastro: /* The Arade River Mouth */

2010-12-07T23:15:36Z

The Arade River Mouth

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:15, 7 December 2010
Line 32:		Line 32:

	As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.		As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.
−	[[File:Hist04.~~jpg~~\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]	+	[[File:Hist04.gif\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]
	Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.		Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.
	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]		[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
Line 42:		Line 42:

	In the summer of 2001 Texas A&M University was invited to participate in a closer inspection of the most promising sites located by the GEO team. With the help of one of the 1970 divers, Helder Mendes, one of these sites was immediately identified as one of the shipwrecks hit by the dredges in that year. It was decided to start an excavation of this site, which was designated Arade 1. The hull remains were partially excavated, and a 1/1 accurate drawing was done on perfectly horizontal transparent slates with one square meter each. During the following winter a team from the Nautical Archaeology Program (NAP) was invited by CNANS to complete the excavation and promote the study and publication of this shipwreck.		In the summer of 2001 Texas A&M University was invited to participate in a closer inspection of the most promising sites located by the GEO team. With the help of one of the 1970 divers, Helder Mendes, one of these sites was immediately identified as one of the shipwrecks hit by the dredges in that year. It was decided to start an excavation of this site, which was designated Arade 1. The hull remains were partially excavated, and a 1/1 accurate drawing was done on perfectly horizontal transparent slates with one square meter each. During the following winter a team from the Nautical Archaeology Program (NAP) was invited by CNANS to complete the excavation and promote the study and publication of this shipwreck.
−

	== The Arade River Shipwrecks ==		== The Arade River Shipwrecks ==

FilipeCastro at 23:09, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T23:09:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 7 December 2010
Line 53:		Line 53:

	It is not sure whether all these three ships had been sighted by the captain of the dredge ''Mark''. As a matter of fact, it seems that six ships were exposed a consequence of the dredging works, and not five, as the captain informed <sup>8</sup>.		It is not sure whether all these three ships had been sighted by the captain of the dredge ''Mark''. As a matter of fact, it seems that six ships were exposed a consequence of the dredging works, and not five, as the captain informed <sup>8</sup>.
		+

	'''The Arade 1 and Arade 2 Shipwrecks'''		'''The Arade 1 and Arade 2 Shipwrecks'''
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	In spite of the sketches made at the time, and the pictures taken, thirty years later it was very difficult to make full sense of them. In the summer of 2001 a joint survey carried on by CNANS and the GEO group, with the help of Mr. Helder Mendes, lead to the discovery of several ship remains near the Arade 1 shipwreck area marked on CPAS report of 1970 (Fig. 20). The areas defined on this survey were designated as A1, B1, B2, and C, and several trenches were opened around them during the 2001 field season. Area A1 yielded the remains of a ship's hull, and its excavation started immediately under the direction of Mr. Francisco Alves, carried out by a joint CNANS/GEO team. On area B2 a frame from a lapstrake hull was found (Fig. 22) together with some lapstrake planking. We know now that the A1 vessel is the Arade 1 shipwreck, but we never found the Arade 6, lapstrake-built, shipwreck.<sup>13</sup>		In spite of the sketches made at the time, and the pictures taken, thirty years later it was very difficult to make full sense of them. In the summer of 2001 a joint survey carried on by CNANS and the GEO group, with the help of Mr. Helder Mendes, lead to the discovery of several ship remains near the Arade 1 shipwreck area marked on CPAS report of 1970 (Fig. 20). The areas defined on this survey were designated as A1, B1, B2, and C, and several trenches were opened around them during the 2001 field season. Area A1 yielded the remains of a ship's hull, and its excavation started immediately under the direction of Mr. Francisco Alves, carried out by a joint CNANS/GEO team. On area B2 a frame from a lapstrake hull was found (Fig. 22) together with some lapstrake planking. We know now that the A1 vessel is the Arade 1 shipwreck, but we never found the Arade 6, lapstrake-built, shipwreck.<sup>13</sup>

−	'''~~More~~ Shipwrecks'''	+
		+	'''Other Shipwrecks'''

	Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.		Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.
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	[[File:Hist19.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 19 - Approximate location of the Arade River shipwrecks.]]		[[File:Hist19.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 19 - Approximate location of the Arade River shipwrecks.]]
	After 2002 CNANS kept working on the Arade River mouth, and a number of publications resulted from that work.<sup>17</sup>		After 2002 CNANS kept working on the Arade River mouth, and a number of publications resulted from that work.<sup>17</sup>
		+

	== References ==		== References ==

FilipeCastro at 23:08, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T23:08:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:08, 7 December 2010
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	There are many reports of shipwreck troves in the mouth of the Arade River. As it often happens, some of these reports are vague, others are contradictory, and some refer to sites that have long been destroyed, or simply to guns, iron anchors, or lead stocks that were removed by fishermen and sport divers, probably to end up melted or, in the case of the iron guns, slowly rotting away on the grass of some front yard. There is no information whether any shipwrecks were hit or destroyed during the 1926 and 1927 dredging works, but it is probable that many artifacts were removed from the Arade River mouth together with the 360.000 m3 of sediments dredged at the time.		There are many reports of shipwreck troves in the mouth of the Arade River. As it often happens, some of these reports are vague, others are contradictory, and some refer to sites that have long been destroyed, or simply to guns, iron anchors, or lead stocks that were removed by fishermen and sport divers, probably to end up melted or, in the case of the iron guns, slowly rotting away on the grass of some front yard. There is no information whether any shipwrecks were hit or destroyed during the 1926 and 1927 dredging works, but it is probable that many artifacts were removed from the Arade River mouth together with the 360.000 m3 of sediments dredged at the time.
−		+	[[File:Hist10.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 10 - The Arade River mouth (from ''Aero Guia do Litoral'', 2000).]] [[File:Hist11.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 11 - Approximate location of the Arade 7 and Arade 8 shipwrecks.]]
	In the late 1950s, or early 1960s, a bronze gun was found by divers of ''Grupo Desportivo da Sacor'' at the entrance of the river, on the area where know stands the left margin jetty. The gun disappeared before the finders could raise it and there is no trace of it anywhere ever since. Later, two shipwrecks were reported on the area between the jetties, one on the channel, immediately outside the line between the heads of the structures (Arade 8), and another near the head of the left margin jetty (Arade 7)<sup>6</sup>.		In the late 1950s, or early 1960s, a bronze gun was found by divers of ''Grupo Desportivo da Sacor'' at the entrance of the river, on the area where know stands the left margin jetty. The gun disappeared before the finders could raise it and there is no trace of it anywhere ever since. Later, two shipwrecks were reported on the area between the jetties, one on the channel, immediately outside the line between the heads of the structures (Arade 8), and another near the head of the left margin jetty (Arade 7)<sup>6</sup>.
−		+	[[File:Hist12.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 12 - The five shipwrecks hit by the dredges. The fifth position is only guessed on top of the image(Image: CNANS Archives).]] [[File:Hist13.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 13 - Reconstruction of the 1970 dredging area.]]
−	The 1970 dredging works exposed at least five old hulls, as the Dutch captain of the dredge told the press after the works were completed, and soon before leaving Portugal. The news of archaeological troves during the dredging operations had already spread during the summer, and some local inhabitants went to the place where the dredged sediments were dumped on the beach - at Praia da Rocha - to try to recover any antiques exposed<sup>7</sup>. Following an information of the captain of the dredge Mark - from the company Bos & Kalis, working as a subcontractor of the Sociedade Portuguesa de Dragagens - two rival groups of divers visited the Arade mouth and gathered data about three of shipwreck sites.	+	The 1970 dredging works exposed at least five old hulls, as the Dutch captain of the dredge told the press after the works were completed, and soon before leaving Portugal. The news of archaeological troves during the dredging operations had already spread during the summer, and some local inhabitants went to the place where the dredged sediments were dumped on the beach - at Praia da Rocha - to try to recover any antiques exposed<sup>7</sup>. Following an information of the captain of the dredge ''Mark'' - from the company Bos & Kalis, working as a subcontractor of the Sociedade Portuguesa de Dragagens - two rival groups of divers visited the Arade mouth and gathered data about three of shipwreck sites.

	It is not sure whether all these three ships had been sighted by the captain of the dredge ''Mark''. As a matter of fact, it seems that six ships were exposed a consequence of the dredging works, and not five, as the captain informed <sup>8</sup>.		It is not sure whether all these three ships had been sighted by the captain of the dredge ''Mark''. As a matter of fact, it seems that six ships were exposed a consequence of the dredging works, and not five, as the captain informed <sup>8</sup>.
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	'''More Shipwrecks'''		'''More Shipwrecks'''
		+
	Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.		Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.
−		+	[[File:Hist14.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 14 - The wooden remains destroyed by the dredges on the commercial harbor (Photo: F. Alves, CNANS Archives).]]
	In the 1980's dredging works started again. At least one shipwreck was destroyed in 1982 (Arade 9), upstream from the former dredged area, near the commercial harbor, possibly the Roman ship mentioned above<sup>14</sup>.		In the 1980's dredging works started again. At least one shipwreck was destroyed in 1982 (Arade 9), upstream from the former dredged area, near the commercial harbor, possibly the Roman ship mentioned above<sup>14</sup>.

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	Following the 1982 destructions the then director of Lisbon's Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Mr. Francisco Alves, brought the Comissão Nacional Provisória de Arqueologia Subaquática to propose legislation to protect the Arade shipwrecks. This legislation was approved in February 1984.<sup>15</sup> In 1993, after a report by Luis Sacramento, eight bronze guns dating from the mid-16th century to 1606 were rescued by a team of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, possibly corresponding to the 1611 shipwreck of a Spanish vessel named ''Nuestra Señora del Socorro''.<sup>16</sup>		Following the 1982 destructions the then director of Lisbon's Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, Mr. Francisco Alves, brought the Comissão Nacional Provisória de Arqueologia Subaquática to propose legislation to protect the Arade shipwrecks. This legislation was approved in February 1984.<sup>15</sup> In 1993, after a report by Luis Sacramento, eight bronze guns dating from the mid-16th century to 1606 were rescued by a team of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, possibly corresponding to the 1611 shipwreck of a Spanish vessel named ''Nuestra Señora del Socorro''.<sup>16</sup>
−		+	[[File:Hist15.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 15 - One of the eight guns from Ponta do Altar B site (Photo: F. Castro).]]
	Finally, in 1998, the remains of three ships presumably dating to the 19th or early 20th centuries were found during the construction of the marina of Portimão. At that time CNANS was accompanying the works and promoted a preliminary survey. Since these remains corresponded to recent ships, probably derelicts, the construction works were briefly stopped in order to make a quick sketch of the only vessel presenting structural coherence, referenced in this study as Arade 10.		Finally, in 1998, the remains of three ships presumably dating to the 19th or early 20th centuries were found during the construction of the marina of Portimão. At that time CNANS was accompanying the works and promoted a preliminary survey. Since these remains corresponded to recent ships, probably derelicts, the construction works were briefly stopped in order to make a quick sketch of the only vessel presenting structural coherence, referenced in this study as Arade 10.
−		+	[[File:Hist16.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 16 - Shipwreck destroyed in 1982, and the marina's shipwreck sites.]]
		+	[[File:Hist17.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 17 - The ten sites found by the GEO team.]]
		+	[[File:Hist18.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 18 - Aspect of the Arade 10 shipwreck during CNANS' survey (Photo: P. Caleja, CNANS Archive).]]
	During the last years of the 1990s other remains have been surveyed and positioned by GEO, a local group of sport divers under the direction of Mr. Alberto Machado, who lead the campaign toward a larger public awareness of Arade's archaeological richness at the same time. Between 1998 and 2000 GEO's divers found ten sites of archaeological potential at the Arade's mouth. These sites have been numbered GEO1 to GEO10, and correspond to ship remains and parts, sometimes found as more or less coherent structures, sometimes as disassembled and scattered on the sea bed. The most interesting of these two areas so far are GEO 5, corresponding to well-preserved remains of a large late 19th century vessel, which was called Arade 13, and GEO 2, where a small plank showing mortise and tenon joinery was found and named optimistically Arade 14. At the end of the 2002 field season the total number of shipwrecks reported at the Arade River mouth amounted to 14:		During the last years of the 1990s other remains have been surveyed and positioned by GEO, a local group of sport divers under the direction of Mr. Alberto Machado, who lead the campaign toward a larger public awareness of Arade's archaeological richness at the same time. Between 1998 and 2000 GEO's divers found ten sites of archaeological potential at the Arade's mouth. These sites have been numbered GEO1 to GEO10, and correspond to ship remains and parts, sometimes found as more or less coherent structures, sometimes as disassembled and scattered on the sea bed. The most interesting of these two areas so far are GEO 5, corresponding to well-preserved remains of a large late 19th century vessel, which was called Arade 13, and GEO 2, where a small plank showing mortise and tenon joinery was found and named optimistically Arade 14. At the end of the 2002 field season the total number of shipwrecks reported at the Arade River mouth amounted to 14:

−	Arade 1 - Found by the captain of the dredge ''Mark'' in 1970, visited by two teams of sport divers. A report was made by CPAS divers and many pictures were taken. It was re-located in 2001 by a team from CNANS and partially excavated (site A1 from CNANS 2001 map). During the summer of 2002 it was excavated by a Texas A&M University / Institute of Nautical Archaeology team.	+	'''Arade 1''' - Found by the captain of the dredge ''Mark'' in 1970, visited by two teams of sport divers. A report was made by CPAS divers and many pictures were taken. It was re-located in 2001 by a team from CNANS and partially excavated (site A1 from CNANS 2001 map). During the summer of 2002 it was excavated by a Texas A&M University / Institute of Nautical Archaeology team.

−	Arade 2 - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. Already covered when visited by sport divers. It is said to have bronze guns, one of which was taken by the captain of the dredge to the Netherlands.	+	'''Arade 2''' - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. Already covered when visited by sport divers. It is said to have bronze guns, one of which was taken by the captain of the dredge to the Netherlands.

−	Arade 3 - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.	+	'''Arade 3''' - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.

−	Arade 4 - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.	+	'''Arade 4''' - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.

−	Arade 5 - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.	+	'''Arade 5''' - Found by the captain of the dredge Mark in 1970. never visited by sport divers.

−	Arade 6 - Found by sport divers near the Arade 1 shipwreck. Clinker built. Possibly near site B2 of CNANS 2001 map.	+	'''Arade 6''' - Found by sport divers near the Arade 1 shipwreck. Clinker built. Possibly near site B2 of CNANS 2001 map.

−	Arade 7 - Found by sport divers near the left jetty.	+	'''Arade 7''' - Found by sport divers near the left jetty.

−	Arade 8 - Found by sport divers at the entrance of the river mouth, between jetties.	+	'''Arade 8''' - Found by sport divers at the entrance of the river mouth, between jetties.

−	Arade 9 - Destroyed by the dredging operations of the early 1980s.	+	'''Arade 9''' - Destroyed by the dredging operations of the early 1980s.

−	Arade 10 - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.	+	'''Arade 10''' - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.

−	Arade 11 - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.	+	'''Arade 11''' - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.

−	Arade 12 - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.	+	'''Arade 12''' - Covered by the Marina de Portimao. Said to be modern: late 19th, or early 20th century.

−	Arade 13 - GEO 5 site. Shipwreck dating to the late 18th or 19th century. Well preserved.	+	'''Arade 13''' - GEO 5 site. Shipwreck dating to the late 18th or 19th century. Well preserved.
		+
		+	'''Arade 14''' - GEO 2 site. Small plank with mortise and tenon joints.
		+
		+	[[File:Hist19.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 19 - Approximate location of the Arade River shipwrecks.]]
		+	After 2002 CNANS kept working on the Arade River mouth, and a number of publications resulted from that work.<sup>17</sup>

−	~~Arade 14 - GEO 2 site. Small plank with mortise and tenon joints.~~
	== References ==		== References ==

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	8. Helder Mendes, one the divers to visit the sites in 1970, is under the impression the clinker built ship found by his group had not been seen by the dredge crew.		8. Helder Mendes, one the divers to visit the sites in 1970, is under the impression the clinker built ship found by his group had not been seen by the dredge crew.
−
−	~~14. Alberto Machado personal communication.~~
−
−	15. Alves, Francisco, "Acerca dos destrocos de dois navios descobertos durante as dragagens de 1970 na foz do Rio Arade (Ferragudo, Lagoa)", in As rotas oceanicas, Secs. XV-XVII, Lisboa: Ed. Colibri, 1999: 92.
−
−	~~16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.~~

	9. Already an old admirer of both Margarida Farrajota, and Helder Mendes, I am greatly indebted to them for their patience and willingness to search into their memories for the details of this old story.		9. Already an old admirer of both Margarida Farrajota, and Helder Mendes, I am greatly indebted to them for their patience and willingness to search into their memories for the details of this old story.
Line 143:		Line 144:

	13. Luis Sacramento personal communication.		13. Luis Sacramento personal communication.
		+
		+	14. Alberto Machado personal communication.
		+
		+	15. Alves, Francisco, "Acerca dos destrocos de dois navios descobertos durante as dragagens de 1970 na foz do Rio Arade (Ferragudo, Lagoa)", in As rotas oceanicas, Secs. XV-XVII, Lisboa: Ed. Colibri, 1999: 92.
		+
		+	16. Alves, Francisco, "Ponta do Altar B - Arqueologia de um naufrágio no Algarve nos alvores do século XVII." Arqueólogo Português, 4.8/10: 357-424. Lisboa: MNA, 1990-1992.
		+
		+	17. Alves, Monteiro and Pinheiro, "Arade 23, Arqueografia de um Naufragio Atraves de Site Recorder 4 Problematica e Metodologia" (2007)

FilipeCastro at 22:41, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T22:41:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:41, 7 December 2010
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	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]		[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
	In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.		In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.
−		+	[[File:Hist08.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 8 - The Arade River mouth after a 1970 map showing the recharge of Praia da Rocha with the sediments dredged (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist09.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 9 - The Arade River mouth after the dredging works, after a 1970 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
	In the early 1980s a team from the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, under the direction of Francisco Alves, conducted a survey at the local, but did not find any of the shipwrecks. This action however triggered the interest of the Comissao Nacional Provisoria de Arqueologia Subaquatica, and the shipwrecks were given a certain level of protection as part of Portugal's cultural heritage by the government. Subsequent dredging works were conducted with less public outrage, since the sediments were dumped once again off Ponta do Altar, and although there are scattered reports of destruction and alleged plundering - curiously attributed to the destroyers themselves, the crews of the Dutch dredging ships contracted for the works - nobody knows exactly what or how much was destroyed.		In the early 1980s a team from the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, under the direction of Francisco Alves, conducted a survey at the local, but did not find any of the shipwrecks. This action however triggered the interest of the Comissao Nacional Provisoria de Arqueologia Subaquatica, and the shipwrecks were given a certain level of protection as part of Portugal's cultural heritage by the government. Subsequent dredging works were conducted with less public outrage, since the sediments were dumped once again off Ponta do Altar, and although there are scattered reports of destruction and alleged plundering - curiously attributed to the destroyers themselves, the crews of the Dutch dredging ships contracted for the works - nobody knows exactly what or how much was destroyed.

FilipeCastro at 22:39, 7 December 2010

2010-12-07T22:39:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:39, 7 December 2010
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	As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.		As mentioned above, the mouth of the Arade River has changed substantially in time. According to a 12th-Century report the mouth of the river was further out, near Ponta do Altar (Fig. 1), and the river ran close to the cliffs situated on its left margin<sup>2</sup>. This is confirmed in an 1800 report signed by Baltazer de Azevedo Coutinho, Captain of the Portuguese Royal Corp of Engineers <sup>3</sup>. Previously encompassing a few small islets and sandbanks in middle of its present bed, the Arade River ran to the sea through three narrower channels. The earthquake of 1755 is said to have been at least partially responsible for the disappearance of these islets, and for the already mentioned shift of the river's course about one kilometer to the west. As a consequence of these changes and the silting provoked by the tidal waves of 1755, the Arade mouth presented a depth of only 4.80 m on high tide and 2.4 m at the lowest tide in the early 19th century <sup>4</sup>. After 1755 an accumulation of sand on both margins of the Arade River mouth consolidated its new course, and winter floods broke through the SW channel. In the beginning of the 20th century the beauty of the landscape and the amenity of the climate brought the first families to spend holidays at Praia da Rocha, which was the best known and more frequented in the whole south of Portugal already by 1910.
−		+	[[File:Hist04.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 4 - The Arade River mouth after a 1648 map (after Weinholtz 1970-80).]]
	Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.		Data from the period 1916-1926 shows that the mouth of the Arade River was very unstable, with depths varying widely, as the main channel path varied. In 1926 and 1927 the sandbanks were dredged for the first time, as a developing fishing industry, associated to a growth of a young preserve industry, called for better conditions for the vessels entering and leaving the river. Although impressive - a total of 360.000 m3 of sand were dredged and deposited on the bottoms in front of Ponta do Altar promontory - these dredging works were not very successful, as the river quickly re-established its ancient form. By 1936 the river mouth was again shallow and unstable. But the dredging works had another effect: the large sandy stripe that formed Praia da Rocha started to diminish. During the decade of the 1950s two jetties were built to protect and regularize the mouth of the river, and allow the construction of a commercial harbor at Portimão. The construction of the first of two jetties that protect the harbor was started in 1948 and interrupted soon after. Started again in 1951, these long structures were soon ready. Although the expected regularization of the river bottom was achieved, the construction of the jetties may have impeded the natural shift of sediments along the coast, and furthered the disappearance of sand in Praia da Rocha, situated immediately to the west.
−		+	[[File:Hist05.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 5 - The Arade River mouth after a 1916 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist06.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 6 - The Arade River mouth after a 1934 map (after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]] [[File:Hist07.jpg\|thumb\|Fig. 7 - The Arade River mouth after a 1967 map showing the new jetties(after Gomes and Weinholtz [n.d.]).]]
	In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.		In 1968 an area inside the jetties - in the plan marked "anteporto" - was dredged to a depth of eight meters, and the sand deposited in front of Praia da Rocha, in the hope that this could stop the disappearance of that beach. This strategy did not work, and in 1970 a large portion of this "anteporto" area was dredged again to a depth of eight meters. This time the sediments - about 830.000 m3 - were deposited on the beach (Praia da Rocha). During the course of these dredging works in the summer of 1970 five shipwreck hulls are said to have been hit by the dredges. In spite of all the attention given to this event by the local and national presses, including the national television, nothing was done on behalf of the shipwrecks, and they were either destroyed or left to rot, after being exposed on the slope of the dredged area. Maintenance of the depths obtained in 1970 forced other dredging campaigns during the decade of the 1980s, starting on that same year. Other shipwrecks are said to have been hit and partially or totally destroyed, generating further public outcry, which does not seems to have daunted neither the harbor authorities, nor the central government.

Line 70:		Line 70:
	In spite of the sketches made at the time, and the pictures taken, thirty years later it was very difficult to make full sense of them. In the summer of 2001 a joint survey carried on by CNANS and the GEO group, with the help of Mr. Helder Mendes, lead to the discovery of several ship remains near the Arade 1 shipwreck area marked on CPAS report of 1970 (Fig. 20). The areas defined on this survey were designated as A1, B1, B2, and C, and several trenches were opened around them during the 2001 field season. Area A1 yielded the remains of a ship's hull, and its excavation started immediately under the direction of Mr. Francisco Alves, carried out by a joint CNANS/GEO team. On area B2 a frame from a lapstrake hull was found (Fig. 22) together with some lapstrake planking. We know now that the A1 vessel is the Arade 1 shipwreck, but we never found the Arade 6, lapstrake-built, shipwreck.<sup>13</sup>		In spite of the sketches made at the time, and the pictures taken, thirty years later it was very difficult to make full sense of them. In the summer of 2001 a joint survey carried on by CNANS and the GEO group, with the help of Mr. Helder Mendes, lead to the discovery of several ship remains near the Arade 1 shipwreck area marked on CPAS report of 1970 (Fig. 20). The areas defined on this survey were designated as A1, B1, B2, and C, and several trenches were opened around them during the 2001 field season. Area A1 yielded the remains of a ship's hull, and its excavation started immediately under the direction of Mr. Francisco Alves, carried out by a joint CNANS/GEO team. On area B2 a frame from a lapstrake hull was found (Fig. 22) together with some lapstrake planking. We know now that the A1 vessel is the Arade 1 shipwreck, but we never found the Arade 6, lapstrake-built, shipwreck.<sup>13</sup>

−		+	'''More Shipwrecks'''
	Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.		Then, in 1975, future archaeologist Jean-Yves Blot and a group of sport divers - including local diver Luis Sacramento - found and made a preliminary sketch of a group of five iron guns off Praia dos Caneiros, at Ponta do Altar. Because of another group of guns found nearby some years later, this site is known as Ponta do Altar A and has been tentatively dated to the 18th century.