In brief
Italian divers have exposed a Roman-era shipwreck 46 m beneath the waves off Sicily, uncovering a cargo of well‑preserved amphorae that carried wine, olive oil and grain. The wreck, about 21 m long and 6 m wide, dates to the 2nd or 1st century BC and is now being protected by the Carabinieri Art Squad. The discovery is hailed by Italy’s Culture Minister as a landmark event in underwater archaeology, and it adds to a growing record of ancient maritime finds across the Mediterranean. Experts will conduct further study to determine the ship’s exact origin and trade routes while securing the site for future research. Meanwhile, local fishermen and citizen‑scientists already share footage and observations of fish and marine life thriving among the amphorae.
Italian divers have uncovered a Roman cargo vessel lying 46 m beneath the Mediterranean, resting near the coast of Sicily.
The wreck, about 21 m long and 6 m wide, is heavily packed with hundreds of amphorae, clay jars that once stored wine, olive oil and grains for long‑haul transport.
Italy’s Culture Minister welcomed the find, calling it one of the most important underwater discoveries of recent years and assigning the Carabinieri Art Squad to safeguard the site.
The discovery began when fisherman Giacomo De Mola received a warning on his depth‑scanner about a large rock, only to get closer and witnessing the rust‑blue sea surrounding a row of porcelain amphorae.
Nearby divers captured a video showing eels, snappers and other marine life weaving through the cargo, documenting the vessel’s continued role as a habitat for ocean organisms.
Experts are now working to determine the ship’s navigation routes and the broader tapestry of Roman trade networks that extended across the Eastern Mediterranean.
Similar finds—such as a 1st‑century BC vessel off Campania and a 2,400‑year‑old Greek merchant ship off Bulgaria—highlight the rich legacy of ancient maritime commerce just beneath the waters.
Follow the live feed for real‑time updates, crowd‑sourced insights and interactive maps revealing the exact coordinates of the Sicily wreck.
