Divers in Italy find ancient Roman shipwreck, amphorae off coast of Sicily believed to be 2,100 years old
The wreck is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Italy's culture minister says it is "one of the most important underwater archaeological" finds in years.
An ancient Roman shipwreck, estimated to be around 2,100 years old, has been discovered off the coast of Sicily, Italy, according to Italian police. The wreckage was found about three nautical miles from the western Sicily town of Mazaro del Vallo, at a depth of 46 meters (150 feet). The Italian Carabinieri's cultural protection division has hailed the site as a significant underwater archaeological discovery.
Initial assessments suggest the ship dates from the 2nd to 1st centuries BC. The wreck is believed to be 21 meters long and 6 meters wide, and it was carrying Dressel 1A amphorae, large ceramic jars typically used for transporting wine. The shipwreck was uncovered following a tip-off from local fishermen, who likened it to a "rock" at first.
Diver Giacomo De Mola captured footage of the find, describing the scene as "an immense expanse of amphorae that have lain on the seafloor for over 2,000 years." The find, described as "an extraordinary testament to the Mediterranean trade routes of over 2,000 years ago," includes Lamboglia 2 amphorae, likely from North Africa, and a Neo-Punic amphora.
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