18 July 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Bom Jesus: The Oldest and Most Valuable Shipwreck Found in the Namibian Desert

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, the Bom Jesus (The Good Jesus), a Portuguese ship that sank over 500 years ago, has been found in the desert of Namibia, revealing a treasure trove of gold coins and other valuable artifacts. The ship, which set sail from Lisbon on March 7, 1533, was lost at sea during a violent storm while en route to India.

The remains of the Bom Jesus were uncovered in 2008 by diamond miners who were conducting operations near the Namibian coast. The shipwreck, which had been hidden beneath the sands for centuries, contained approximately 2,000 gold coins and tens of thousands of pounds of copper ingots, all remarkably well-preserved. This discovery has not only shed light on the maritime history of the era but also on the trade routes that were vital for the Portuguese Empire.

Dr. Dieter Noli, chief archaeologist at the Southern Africa Institute of Maritime Archaeological Research, noted that the coastline is notorious for storms, making the discovery of a shipwreck unsurprising. However, the find was particularly significant when a treasure chest filled with gold coins was unearthed, confirming the ship’s identity as the Bom Jesus. The coins, which date back to the early 16th century, provide invaluable insights into the economic conditions and trade practices of the time.

The coins were in mint condition which Dr Noli believes is down to the treasure chest being buried under the ship's huge structure. Credit: Dieter Noli
The coins were in mint condition which Dr Noli believes is down to the treasure chest being buried under the ship’s huge structure. Credit: Dieter Noli

Further excavations revealed an array of artifacts, including bronze bowls, cannons, navigational instruments, and even a musket estimated to be over 500 years old. The ship’s cargo also included silver coins and elephant tusks, highlighting the extensive trade routes of the time. These findings suggest that the Bom Jesus was not just a vessel for transporting goods but also a crucial part of the larger narrative of exploration and commerce during the Age of Discovery.

Experts believe the Bom Jesus sank after being pulled too close to shore during a storm, causing it to collide with a rock and capsize. As the coastline receded over the centuries, the ship re-emerged in the desert, where it was eventually discovered. The preservation of the ship and its cargo is attributed to the unique environmental conditions of the Namibian desert, which have protected the artifacts from the ravages of time.

Despite the significant value of the find, the Namibian government retains ownership of the ship and its contents, as it was classified as a “ship of state” belonging to the King of Portugal. However, the Portuguese government has generously allowed Namibia to keep the treasure. This decision reflects a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage.

Today, the Bom Jesus stands as the oldest and most valuable shipwreck ever discovered off the western coast of Sub-Saharan Africa, with ongoing discussions about the potential establishment of a museum to showcase the remarkable artifacts recovered from this historic site. Such a museum would not only serve as a tribute to the ship’s storied past but also as an educational resource for future generations, highlighting the rich maritime history of the region.

Cover Image Credit: The Bom Jesus was laden with treasures like gold and copper ingots. Public Domain

Related Articles

An 8,500-year-old trepanned skull discovered in Çatalhöyük

23 December 2023

23 December 2023

Traces of trepanation (skull drilling operation) were found on a skull found in the 9,000-year-old Çatalhöyük, near the modern city...

Medieval subterranean corridors found by accident in northeast Iran

1 October 2022

1 October 2022

The workers working on a routine road construction project near Shahr-e Belqeys (City of Belqeys) in northeast Iran made an...

Alone Against Time: The 3,000-Year-Old Last Hittite Monument of Western Anatolia Awaits Rescue

8 July 2025

8 July 2025

Carved into the cliffs of western Anatolia over three thousand years ago, the Karabel Rock Monument is the last surviving...

Archaeologists identify three new Roman camps in Arabia

27 April 2023

27 April 2023

Through remote sensing analysis, archaeologists have identified three new Roman fortified camps throughout northern Arabia. Their study, released today in...

Archaeologists Uncovered Rich Viking Women’s Graves in Norway

23 December 2024

23 December 2024

Archaeologists have discovered a wealth of Viking Age history on a treasure trove at Skumsnes farm in Fitjar, Norway’s west...

The Ephesus Massacre: 80,000 Romans Slaughtered in a Single Night of Blood and Betrayal

29 May 2025

29 May 2025

The Ephesus Massacre saw 80,000 or more Romans killed overnight during the Asiatic Vespers — one of the deadliest uprisings...

Excavations show the Temple of Poseidon at Samikon is more Monumental than Previously Assumed -New Discoveries

3 November 2024

3 November 2024

New excavations by archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the Greek Ministry of Culture in Kleidi-Samikon in the...

Medallion of Emperor Caracalla Minted in Pergamon Found in Roman Tombs in Bulgaria

13 February 2024

13 February 2024

One of the valuable discoveries from the Roman tombs discovered near the village of Nova Varbovka in Strazhitsa municipality in...

What If Ancient Statues Smelled Wonderful? The Surprising Secrets of Greco-Roman Sculptures

16 March 2025

16 March 2025

A new study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology has shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of ancient Greek...

Archaeologists discover a new megalithic monument in heart of Andalusia in southern Spain – 5,000-year-old secret

5 May 2023

5 May 2023

Archaeologists in Spain uncovered a previously overlooked tomb while investigating the formation of La Peña de los Enamorados, also known...

Dingoes were regarded as “almost human” in pre-colonial Australia

21 October 2023

21 October 2023

When it comes to Australia’s wild dingoes, the phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend” takes on new meaning....

A 4,000-year-old treasure map of France’s

17 October 2023

17 October 2023 1

Overlooked for millennia, a rock fragment adorned with enigmatic inscriptions has emerged as a valuable “treasure map” for archaeologists. After...

Medieval Rye: From Humble Weed to Powerful Staple – New Study Reveals Surprising Farming Secrets

27 May 2025

27 May 2025

Discover how medieval rye cultivation was far more advanced than previously believed. New research reveals intensive farming and fertilizing techniques...

Genetic Analysis Reveals A Woman As The Highest-Ranking Individual In Copper Age Spain: ‘Ivory Lady’

6 July 2023

6 July 2023

According to a study published Thursday (July 6) in the journal Scientific Reports, the highest-status individual in ancient Copper Age...

Archaeologists find the earliest evidence Maya sacred calendar in the Guatemalan pyramid

14 April 2022

14 April 2022

Archaeologists identified two plaster fragments depicting a date that the Maya civilization called ‘7 deer’ and was part of the...