A recent study published in *Frontiers in Materials* examined the Ilovik-Paržine 1 shipwreck, revealing that Roman sailors employed a sophisticated waterproofing technique using a mixture of pine tar and beeswax known as zopissa. Researchers utilized an interdisciplinary approach, combining archaeology, chemistry, and palynology to analyze trapped pollen and chemical residues from the ship's coating. This analysis confirmed the shipbuilders' advanced techniques and indicated that the vessel underwent multiple repairs during its voyages. The pollen findings traced the ship's navigation through diverse environments, providing insights into its journey across the Adriatic Sea. Additionally, the study highlights the cultural exchange of shipbuilding knowledge in the Mediterranean, with the earliest use of zopissa dating back to the late 7th century BCE, reflecting a rich tradition of technological transfer.