Ancient Roman Shipwreck With Hundreds of Amphorae Found Off Sicily
Italian heritage police discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck carrying hundreds of amphorae about three miles off Sicily's coast.
Italian authorities have uncovered an ancient Roman shipwreck laden with hundreds of amphorae, the large clay vessels used in antiquity for transporting goods like wine and olive oil. The discovery was made approximately three miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, a town on the western shore of Sicily.
The find was investigated by the Carabinieri's Cultural Heritage Protection Unit, Italy's specialized police division dedicated to safeguarding the nation's archaeological and artistic treasures. The team deployed scuba divers and underwater cameras to explore and document the submerged site.
Video released by the unit shows patrol boats heading to the location, officers monitoring navigation data, and a diver entering the water. Underwater footage captures the amphorae resting on the seabed, offering a glimpse into the vessel's final cargo.
The wreck adds to the rich maritime history of the waters around Sicily, a crossroads of ancient Mediterranean trade routes. Further details about the ship's age or the exact contents of the amphorae have not yet been disclosed.