The Roman Wrecks of Lake Nemi is the title of maritime historian Cormac Lowth’s talk this week for the Dublin Bay Old Gaffers’ Association.
Lowth’s illustrated lecture will outline how two enormous ships built for the Roman emperor Caligula were recovered from the bottom of a small lake in the Alban hills, south-east of Rome, during the 1920s and 1930s.
This was during the early 20th-century Fascist period in Italy, and the wrecks were conserved in a purpose-built museum nearby. It was regarded as one of the great underwater archaeological recoveries ever accomplished, Lowth will explain.
Lowth’s illustrated talk includes some footage of the recoveries, and he will show many rare and interesting images.
The talk is free but contributions to the RNLI at the door are most welcome. It takes place in the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club this Thursday, November 20th, at 8 pm.
