Ancient Treasure Ship Bom Jesus Found: 500-Year-Old Cargo Intact

• Portuguese ship Bom Jesus, en route to India in 1533, sank during a storm and was lost for centuries.
• Discovered in 2008 by diamond miners in Oranjemund, Namibia, the ship was perfectly preserved in sand.
• Cargo included over 2,000 gold coins (King John III era), 16-17 tons of copper ingots, 105 elephant tusks, silver coins, cannons, swords, and navigation tools.
• The dry, salty sand prevented rot and rust, keeping the vessel and its valuable contents largely intact.
• The find offers unique insights into 16th-century Portuguese exploration, global trade, and economy.

Why It Matters: A 1533 Portuguese treasure ship, Bom Jesus, was found perfectly preserved, revealing a wealth of 16th-century artifacts.