Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Sicily
Italian spear fisherman and diver Giacomo De Mola discovered the wreck of a 2,000-year-old Roman transport vessel off the coast of Sicily, which was initially mistaken for an underwater rock, reports BritPanorama.
De Mola and fellow diver Igor Bisulli were engaged in spearfishing near Mazara del Vallo last week when they encountered what they believed was a rock formation about 40 to 50 meters deep. However, upon closer inspection, they realized it was an ancient shipwreck. “But something compels me to check. One last breath. And I descend. The visibility isn’t the best. I see a large dark mass and think: ‘The usual big rock,’” De Mola detailed in an Instagram post.
When he descended further, he was taken aback by the sight of numerous amphorae lying on the seabed. “It wasn’t a rock. Beneath me was an immense expanse of amphorae. Hundreds of amphorae that had lain on the seabed for over 2,000 years,” he recalled. The fishermen promptly alerted the Sicilian Regional Superintendency of the Sea, which subsequently informed the Carabinieri cultural protection unit.
The Carabinieri confirmed that the shipwreck dates back to the second and first centuries BC, transporting clay amphorae primarily used for wine and olive oil, as stated by the Culture Ministry on their website. This significant find occurred approximately three miles off Mazara del Vallo, and the site will be subjected to ongoing archaeological research and protection measures.
Minister for Culture Alessandro Giuli described the wreck as “one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.” The seabed has revealed hundreds of amphorae, too, largely of the Dressel 1A type, alongside structures made of lead. The ensuing documentation will aim to clarify the wreck’s archaeological context while ensuring the site is properly protected.
The waters around Sicily have a long history of maritime activity and trade, dating back to ancient times. As archaeologists delve into this wreck’s mysteries, the discovery is expected to provide deeper insights into the region’s historical maritime routes and cultural exchanges. “The sea continues to bring us precious fragments of our history,” Giuli remarked.
While the entire shipwreck will not be raised at this time, artifacts may be retrieved for study as needed. Special recognition will be awarded to the divers involved in the discovery, highlighting the collaborative efforts in safeguarding cultural heritage submerged on the seabed. The ongoing exploration of this significant find underscores the vital role the Mediterranean played in ancient commerce.
As investigation continues, the narrative surrounding this shipwreck will likely reveal more about the civilizations that once traversed these waters, adding to our understanding of their maritime history.
