Discovery of 18th-Century Slave Ships off the Coast of Central America
Archaeologists discover two 18th-century slave ships off the coast of Central America, shedding light on their history and origins. The ships carried between 600-700 African slaves and 100 crewmen, and were set ablaze or stranded on the coast. The excavation revealed details about the ships' timber and Danish origin.
Key Points
- Ships named Fridericus Quartus and Christianus Quintus were discovered off Costa Rica's Cahuita National Park
- Carried between 600-700 African slaves and 100 crewmen
- Ships were mistaken for pirate ships but were used to transport slaves
- Excavation revealed Danish origin and timber details
Pros
- Reveals historical truth about the ships' purpose and origin
- Adds to our understanding of the transatlantic slave trade
Cons
- Tragic reminder of the horrors of slavery
- Loss of life and suffering experienced by the enslaved individuals