Italian divers have uncovered a 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck near Sicily. This vessel, found with hundreds of preserved ancient clay jars called amphorae, likely transported wine. Alessandro Giuli, Italy’s Culture Minister, called it ‘one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.’ The ship was located about three miles offshore from Mazara del Vallo.

Palermo’s police, specifically their cultural heritage protection team, discovered the ship roughly 150 feet underwater. Fishermen provided the vital tip-off that led to the find. This ship, dating between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, adds valuable insight into ancient trade practices in the region.

Scoperto al largo di Mazara del Vallo un relitto romano del II-I sec a.C., con centinaia di anfore.

Underwater fisherman Giacomo De Mola spotted ‘something’ unusual on his boat’s underwater scanner. Initially believing it to be a rock, he chose to explore further. His discovery of the amphorae field left him astounded, prompting an immediate report to the Superintendent of the Sea of the Sicilian Region.

De Mola described the intense feeling of encountering the site, stating, ‘It’s hard to explain what it feels like to be among the first human beings, after almost twenty centuries, to see that place again.’ The wreck, approximately 21 meters long and six meters wide, primarily carried Dressel 1A amphorae. These jars, characterized by their tall cylindrical shape, were mainly used for wine transportation.