First approaches to the treaure of Alacranes Reef: A multidisciplinary study of the Ancla Macuca shipwreck in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

The Gulf of Mexico includes the waters north (up to 370 nautical miles) and south (up to 296 nautical miles) of the Tropic of Cancer. Several ships sailed through the gulf as part of the Spain´s transport systen in its Carrera de Indias (Route to the Indies) in the sixteeenth through the eighteenth centuries, as did ships flying flags of Spain´s enemies, mainly English, French, and Dutch vessels,. Before the establishment of the convoy system or annual fleets, merchant ships saile alone or in small groups. From 1561 to 1776, the Flota de la Nueva España carried precious metals and other goods from the New World to Spain and ships from Spain carried quicksilver (mercury for the silver mines) to Spain´s colonies. This transport system was jeopardized during conflicts between the Spanish monarchy and other kingdoms. During such times, the Spanich armada guarde ships traveling through the gulf. The main entrance to the Viceroyalty of New Spain was the port of Veracruz, where the Flota de la Nueva España arrived. This fleet consisted of the king´s ships (captain and admiralty, front and rear), which protected the ships of merchants (navíos de registro). ...