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Sicily: 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck discovered
A 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. Located at a depth of approximately 46 meters, the vessel is estimated to date from the 2nd or 1st century BC.
The wreck was identified by freediver Giacomo De Mola, who initially mistook the structure for a rock formation. The site contains hundreds of well-preserved Dressel 1A amphorae, which were commonly used to transport goods such as wine and olive oil. Additionally, archaeologists found two large lead anchors and other lead structures at the site.
Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the find as “one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.” The discovery was made possible through a report from local citizens and a coordinated effort by the Carabinieri, the Superintendency of the Sea of the Sicilian Region, and specialized diving units. Authorities are now implementing protection protocols to secure the site for further scientific documentation and mapping.
Entities
Alessandro Giuli · Carabinieri · Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit · Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Unit · Carabinieri Divers of Messina · Giacomo De Mola · Mazara del Vallo · Ministry of Culture · Roman merchant ship · Roman shipwreck (2nd–1st century AD) · Salvatore Luongo · Sicilian Sea Superintendence