Unearthed Treasures: How a 16th-Century Shipwreck Sparked Texas’s Archaeological Revolution
Near South Padre Island, Texas, deep-sea archaeology has taken on new significance following the discovery of historic shipwrecks. The exploration of these submerged relics has not only unearthed artifacts but also sparked changes in the laws protecting such valuable cultural resources. The 1554 shipwrecks of three Spanish ships, which met their untimely fate due to a violent storm, serve as crucial reminders of maritime heritage. The shipwrecks of the EspĂritu Santo, San Esteban, and Santa Maria de Yciar resulted in nearly 250 casualties and the loss of substantial cargo, including raw silver and minted reales. … Read more