Recent Excavations at the Pharaonic Port of Mersa Gawasis on the Red Sea, 2004-2005 Field Season

Rope

Rope fragments were mainly found in WG 24, scattered in the loose sand. A long, thick rope ca. 5 m in length was found outside the cave. Some possible sailor's knots or ties for jars were found inside and outside the cave. Some ropes were closed rounds with a diameter of ca. 5.0-8.00 cm. This type of artifact was also found in Roman contexts at Berenike, and was probably used as ship equipment. (Wendrich 1997: 257-276).

All ropes consisted of two twisted yarns. About one-third (33) of the rope fragments were made of a thin fiber which was spun counter-clockwise (Z-spun) to form a yarn; the two yarns were plied clockwise (S-plied). About two-thirds (66) of the rope fragments were made of a thicker fiber consisting of S-spun fibers which were Z-plied (see Ryan and Hansen 1987: Figs. 2 & 3). The thin fiber was 1.0 mm thick, plied to make rope up to 1.1 cm thick. The thick fiber was up to 5.0 mm thick, plied to make rope up to 2.5 cm thick.