In brief
Italian divers have uncovered a remarkably well‑preserved Roman cargo ship off the coast of Sicily, dating to the 1st‑2nd century BC. The 21‑metre long vessel, found 46 metres beneath the waves, is stacked with hundreds of amphorae that once carried wine and olive oil. Carabinieri Art Squad specialists have secured the site for detailed study, highlighting its importance as one of the few intact wrecks from antiquity. The discovery follows similar finds off Italy and the Black Sea, underscoring the rich maritime heritage of the Mediterranean.
A team of Italian divers has uncovered a well‑preserved Roman cargo vessel off the coast of Sicily. The 21‑metre long ship, lying 46 metres beneath the surface, is piled high with hundreds of amphorae that originally stored wine, olive oil and grain.
The wreck is believed to date back to the 1st‑to‑2nd century BC and was found after a fisherman spotted a large rock on his scanner and decided to investigate. He later confirmed it was a ship and filmed the discovery, showing marine life thriving around the pots.
Carabinieri Art Squad special‑divers were called in to safeguard the site for a detailed investigation. Officials say the vessel is one of the most significant underwater archaeological finds of recent years, offering new insights into ancient Mediterranean trade routes.
This find joins other notable wrecks, such as a Roman ship discovered off the Italian coast in 2023 and a 2,400‑year‑old Greek merchant ship in the Black Sea, which was hailed as the world’s oldest intact wreck.
