Ancient Roman shipwreck discovered off Sicily coast
Italy's culture minister says it is one of the most important underwater archaeological finds in years.
Italian divers have unearthed an ancient Roman shipwreck off Sicily's coast, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The vessel, discovered 46 meters (150 feet) below the surface, was laden with hundreds of well-preserved containers, likely used to transport goods like wine and olive oil. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli hailed the find as one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.
Specialist police divers found the 21-meter-long, 6-meter-wide ship near Mazara del Vallo, after a tip-off from fishermen. Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola stumbled upon the wreck while surveying the seabed, initially mistaking hundreds of amphorae - tall ceramic jars used to store goods in ancient times - for rocks. He described the discovery as "the most incredible discovery of my life."
The wreck, dating from the second or first century BC, has been safeguarded by the Carabinieri Art Squad, with experts investigating the nature of the vessel and its cargo. Similar ancient wrecks have been found in the Mediterranean, including a 1st or 2nd century BC Roman ship discovered near Rome in 2023.
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