New isotopic analysis of timber found in the ancient port city of Ugarit (modern-day Syria) has revealed an unexpected maritime trade connection with the British Isles. The study found that several structural beams used in the palace of Ugarit were crafted from English Oak, likely transported via a complex relay network that also carried Cornish tin to the Eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age.
The findings suggest that the Ugaritic merchants were far more interconnected with Atlantic Europe than previously thought. This 'Tin and Timber' route would have required specialized deep-sea vessels capable of navigating the Bay of Biscay and the Strait of Gibraltar. Researchers believe this discovery redefines our understanding of the scale of Bronze Age globalization, proving that raw materials from the edges of Europe were essential to the architectural splendor of the Levant.