tech
Roman shipwreck with 500 amphorae found off coast of Sicily
Discovery of 2,100-year-old vessel hailed as ‘one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years’
TL;DR
- A 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck was discovered off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily.
- The vessel, found at a depth of 46 meters, was carrying about 500 amphorae, likely containing wine.
- The wreck is approximately 21 meters long and 6 meters wide.
- Italy's culture minister called it 'one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years'.
- The amphorae, identified as Dressel 1A, are valuable for reconstructing ancient commercial networks.
- Sicily's superintendency of the sea will conduct further scientific documentation and research.
- This discovery follows other significant Roman wreck finds in Italian waters, including those near Palermo and Liguria.
- Italian waters around Sicily are considered rich in underwater archaeology due to the island's strategic location.