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Dig finds camp of 'real Crusoe' | Dig finds camp of 'real Crusoe' |
(2 days later) | |
Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of the campsite of a marooned sailor who is said to have inspired the fictional castaway Robinson Crusoe. | Archaeologists have unearthed evidence of the campsite of a marooned sailor who is said to have inspired the fictional castaway Robinson Crusoe. |
The findings, carried in the journal Post-Medieval Archaeology, follow digs on a Pacific island west of Chile. | The findings, carried in the journal Post-Medieval Archaeology, follow digs on a Pacific island west of Chile. |
Daniel Defoe is believed to have based Crusoe on Alexander Selkirk, a Scotsman rescued from the island in 1709. | Daniel Defoe is believed to have based Crusoe on Alexander Selkirk, a Scotsman rescued from the island in 1709. |
Evidence suggests the sailor built two shelters near a stream, with a look-out point to watch for approaching ships. | |
The island used to be known as Aguas Buenas, but has been renamed Robinson Crusoe Island after the character created by Defoe in his 18th Century classic. | The island used to be known as Aguas Buenas, but has been renamed Robinson Crusoe Island after the character created by Defoe in his 18th Century classic. |
The team also unearthed a pair of navigational dividers from the period, which they believe belonged to Selkirk. | The team also unearthed a pair of navigational dividers from the period, which they believe belonged to Selkirk. |
The captain of the ship which found Selkirk referred to a number of mathematical instruments in his possession. | The captain of the ship which found Selkirk referred to a number of mathematical instruments in his possession. |
He also spoke of Selkirk shooting wild goats to help his survival on the Pacific island, although there were no relics of that activity. | He also spoke of Selkirk shooting wild goats to help his survival on the Pacific island, although there were no relics of that activity. |
David Caldwell, from National Museums Scotland, said: "The evidence uncovered at Aguas Buenas corroborates the stories of Alexander Selkirk's stay on the island and provides a fascinating insight into his existence there. | David Caldwell, from National Museums Scotland, said: "The evidence uncovered at Aguas Buenas corroborates the stories of Alexander Selkirk's stay on the island and provides a fascinating insight into his existence there. |
"We hope that Aguas Buenas, with careful management, may be a site enjoyed by the increasing number of tourists searching for the inspiration behind Defoe's masterpiece." | "We hope that Aguas Buenas, with careful management, may be a site enjoyed by the increasing number of tourists searching for the inspiration behind Defoe's masterpiece." |
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