Spanish galleon unearthed in Buenos Aires [ bbc learning english]

The foundations were being dug for a luxury apartment block being built in the renovated port area of Buenos Aires when workers struck oil - olive oil. Or at least eight ceramic jars which in the eighteenth century were used to transport olive oil to the Spanish colonies in Latin America.

Archaeologists were called and together they uncovered four cannons, timbers from the ship's hull and evidence that the vessel was probably sent to trade in leather. Archaeologist Marcelo Weissel said the discovery was unique in Argentina.

Work is now underway on finding out more. Early indications are that the ship sank in about seventeen-fifty. The mayor of Buenos Aires, Mauricio Macri, said the construction company and archaeologists would work together on what looks like being a great treasure for the whole city.

Towards the end of the eighteenth century Buenos Aires was becoming a major port city, as Spanish colonists began transporting silver from what is now southern Bolivia through the city to Europe. But the waters were often treacherous and pirates were rampant, leaving a trail of destruction waiting to be unearthed hundreds of years later.

Vocabulary

a luxury apartment block
a big building consisting of a number of large and very comfortable flats

to live in luxury [luxury - mewah]
a luxury cruise
a luxury hotel

They have a very luxurious house.[very comfortable and expensive]
We spent a luxurious weekend at a country hotel.

struck = here :
found, discovered

The first person to strike oil in the US was Edwin Laurentine Drake.
The population and settlement of Colorado expanded after the gold strike of 1858. [noun]
to strike gold/oil

cannons [noun]
large, powerful guns used in the past, firing heavy stone or metal balls

I was rushing along with my head down when I cannoned into an old lady walking the other way. [to knock or hit against someone or something suddenly and forcefully as you are running / verb]

timbers [papan]
large pieces of wood used in the framework, or hull, of a wooden ship

a timber forest
These trees are being grown for timber.
roof timbers
a timber-framed building

the vessel
the ship

a cargo/fishing/naval/patrol/sailing/supply vessel

a great treasure
a very important and valuable find

Stories about pirates often include a search for buried treasure.
When they opened up the tomb they found treasure beyond their wildest dreams.
I shall always treasure those memories of her. [verb]
This pen that my grandfather gave me is one of my most treasured possessions. [verb]

major
here, very important and used a lot

All of her major plays have been translated into English.
Sugar is a major cause of tooth decay.
There are two problems with this situation, one major, one minor.
Citrus fruits are a major source of vitamin C.
There has been a major change in attitudes recently.
The United States is a major influence in the United Nations.
Have you seen Chrissie's new leather jacket? It's majorly cool. [very or extremely]

minor [UNIMPORTANT)

a minor operation
It's only a minor problem.
There's been an increase in minor offences, such as traffic violations and petty theft.
She suffered only minor injuries.
It requires a few minor adjustments.a minor poet of the 16th-century

the waters
here, the ocean near the city

The human body is about 50% water.
I like swimming but I don't like getting my head under (= in) water.
Dad, I swam a whole length of the pool under water (= with the whole head and body below the surface of the water)!
I've asked my neighbour to water the plants while I'm away. [verb-siram]
The horses had been fed and watered [ bagi minum]
People used to come to this city to take (= drink and swim in) the waters. [water from a spring, especially when used for drinking or swimming in, in order to improve the health]

treacherous [ajd]
here, extremely dangerous

Snow and ice have left many roads treacherous, and motorists are warned to drive slowly.
Freezing rain made driving treacherous.
Ice had made the roads treacherous.

rampant [adj-menjadi2-menular-tumbuh menjadi2]
here, uncontrollable and getting worse

rampant corruption
Rampant inflation means that our wage increases soon become worth nothing.
He said that he had encountered rampant prejudice in his attempts to get a job.
Disease is rampant in the overcrowded city.
rampant corruption/inflation