Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Sicily

A Roman shipwreck estimated to be over 2,000 years old has been discovered off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. The find was made by fisherman and world champion spearfisher Giacomo de Mola and diver Igor Bisulli, who located the site approximately three miles offshore at a depth of 150 feet.

The site contains hundreds of intact amphorae—ancient two-handled clay jars—which may have previously held goods such as wine, olive oil, or grain. In addition to the jars, divers identified two large lead anchor stocks and a lead pipe scattered across a seabed area measuring roughly 6 feet by 70 feet.

Italian authorities confirmed the wreckage dates back to the first or second century B.C. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli characterized the find as “one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years,” noting its importance in understanding Mediterranean trade routes and ancient civilizations.