In brief
Italian divers discovered a Roman‑era cargo vessel that sank near Sicily’s coast over two millennia ago. The 21‑m long ship was found at a depth of 46 m, brimming with amphorae storing wine, oil, and grain. Italy’s Culture Minister hailed the find as one of the richest underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years. Specialists are preparing to protect the wreck and study its cargo to learn more about ancient maritime trade routes.
In the calm blue waters off the coast of the island of Sicily, a 21‑metre Roman cargo ship—packed with well‑preserved amphorae—has been unearthed by Italian divers at a depth of 46 metres. The find, which dates back to the 1st or 2nd Century BC, is being hailed by Italy’s Culture Minister as one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.
Discovery Details
Fisherman Giacomo De Mola stumbled upon the wreck while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo. After seeing what appeared to be a large rock on his scanner, he dove closer and “the heart stopped” when he realised the rock was actually a Roman ship.
The vessel is 21 m long and 6 m wide, brimming with hundreds of amphorae—ceramic jars used to store wine, olive oil, or grain. The wreckage was located by specialist police divers from the Carabinieri Art Squad, who are now safeguarding it for analysis.
Historical Significance
With the loot packed in this way, the ship had a high probability of being a trade vessel that played a part in the Mediterranean goods‑exchange network of early Roman times. The amphorae – many of which are still sealed – provide a unique glimpse into the types of goods that were transported, the trade routes taken, and how the Romans organised cargo on a large scale.
Other similar finds have been reported – a 1st‑century vessel was found north‑west of Rome in 2023, again laden with amphorae, and a 2,400‑year‑old Greek merchant ship was discovered off the Bulgarian coast in 2018, the world’s oldest intact wreck to date.
Preservation and Study
The Carabinieri Art Squad is ensuring the wreck’s protection while experts work to determine the nature of the wreckage and to learn more about its cargo. The Mediterranean seabed, believed to harbor many similar ancient wrecks, provides a rich field for maritime archaeology.
Related Findings
For further context on Roman shipwrecks, you can read the story about the ship found off Rome in 2023: Ancient Roman shipwreck found off coast of Italy (Published 28 July 2023).
And for a comparative look at the oldest intact wrecks, check out the article on the Black Sea find: Oldest intact wreck found in Black Sea (Published 23 October 2018).
Images
Below is a view of the wreck covered by marine life, captured by Giacomo De Mola while in the water.
Source: Carabinieri via AFP – The wreck brimming with amphorae, now home to marine life.
