Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Brazilian Jars
Mar 17, 2021
Delve into the intriguing story of ancient Roman amphorae discovered in Guanabara Bay, Brazil, which could reshape historical views on trade. The hosts navigate the fallout from this find, including accusations of theft and a controversial ban on marine excavations. Explore the tension between cultural heritage and claims of plunder. Also, enjoy the playful banter as they unravel the enigmatic world of Brazilian jars and examine the credibility of the claims surrounding them. History has never been this entertaining!
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Brazilian Jars Discovery
- In the 1970s, fishermen near Rio found jars in their nets, leading diver Jose Teixeira to bring two to the surface.
- Underwater archaeologist Robert Marks identified them as Roman amphorae, potentially rewriting history.
Government Intervention
- The Brazilian government shut down Robert Marks' excavation, accusing him of plundering and banning him from the country.
- They covered the site with fill dirt, possibly due to their veneration of Cabral as the first European in Brazil.
The Replicas
- Diver Americo Santorelli claimed the amphorae were replicas he made and placed there in the 1960s.
- Marks subsequently dropped the investigation, and the incident remains a mystery.