Pag shipwreck discovery reveals rare Roman wine vessel

Archaeologists and divers have recovered an exceptionally rare ceramic wine vessel dating back to the 1st century BCE from a Roman shipwreck near the Letavica site on the island of Pag, Croatia. The vessel was found at a depth of approximately 40 meters, buried in sand.

The shipwreck, which was originally discovered by diver Vedran Dorušić in 2018, appears to have belonged to an individual named Straton. In addition to the wine vessel, the site contains between 400 and 600 amphorae and various other luxury items that provide insight into the high standard of living on ancient Roman vessels.

Professor Irena Radić Rossi from the University of Zadar noted the historical importance of such finds, highlighting the risk of looting and the illegal black market for antiquities. The recovery of these items is considered a significant success in protecting cultural heritage from smugglers.