Italian marine archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a Roman ship that dates back approximately 2,100 years, located off the coast of Sicily. The shipwreck, situated about three miles from Mazara del Vallo, is filled with hundreds of well-preserved ancient clay jars known as amphorae, believed to have been used for transporting wine.
Italy’s Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, has described this find as “one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.” The shipwreck was located by divers from the cultural heritage protection unit of Palermo’s police on Saturday, following a tip from local fishermen. The vessel is estimated to have sunk between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC and rests approximately 150 feet beneath the surface.
In a post on Instagram, underwater fisherman Giacomo De Mola recounted his experience of discovering the wreck. While scanning the seabed with his boat’s sonar, he noticed an anomaly that resembled a rock. Driven by curiosity, he decided to dive down, only to find what he described as “undoubtedly the most incredible discovery of my life.”
De Mola shared his astonishment, stating, “The visibility wasn’t great… I swam closer, and my heart stopped. Below me lay a vast field of amphorae.” He accompanied his narration with video footage of the remarkable find and promptly reported it to the Superintendent of the Sea for the Sicilian Region.
“It’s nearly impossible to express the feeling of being among the first individuals in nearly two millennia to witness that site again,” he reflected.
Local reports indicate that the ship measures roughly 21 meters in length and 6 meters in width, primarily carrying Dressel 1A amphorae—tall, cylindrical jars commonly used for wine transportation.
