Roman shipwreck with 500 amphorae found off coast of Sicily
Summary
A 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck was found 3 miles off the coast of Sicily carrying about 500 ancient ceramic jars called amphorae, used mainly to transport wine. Italian cultural police and divers discovered the wreck at a depth of 46 meters and are planning further research to learn more about its history and protect the site.Key Facts
- The shipwreck is about 2,100 years old and lies 3 miles from Mazara del Vallo, Sicily.
- It carried around 500 amphorae, two-handled ceramic jars used mainly for carrying wine.
- The wreck is about 21 meters long and 6 meters wide, found at a depth of 46 meters.
- Italian cultural heritage police, the Carabinieri, investigated the site with divers and underwater cameras.
- Most amphorae are Dressel 1A types, valuable for studying ancient Mediterranean trade routes.
- Sicily’s sea superintendency will continue research to date the wreck and identify the cargo’s origin and destination.
- The area around Sicily is known for many important ancient shipwrecks due to its position on old trade routes.
- Recent similar discoveries include Roman shipwrecks near Palermo (2021) and Liguria (2013).
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