Monasterace shipwreck project begins study of ancient amphorae

The “Altofondale” project has been launched to study and preserve an ancient shipwreck discovered off the coast of Monasterace, Italy. Located at a depth of approximately 500 meters, the wreck dates back to between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE and is estimated to have carried a cargo of over 300 amphorae.

The discovery was made in 2023 during preventive archaeology activities related to offshore wind farm studies. The project, which has been included in the Ministry of Culture’s “Grandi Progetti Beni Culturali” strategic plan, involves a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, marine biologists, geologists, physicists, and chemists.

The University of Calabria is participating through its cultural heritage research group, led by Professor Mauro La Russa. The university will focus on analyzing ceramic artifacts to determine their origin, production techniques, and the effects of long-term marine submersion to inform conservation efforts. The initiative is being coordinated by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape for the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria and the province of Vibo Valentia, in collaboration with the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.