Divers Discover 2,100-Year-Old Shipwreck Off the Coast of Sicily

Italian police announced the discovery of a Roman shipwreck approximately 2,100 years old off the coast of Sicily, at a depth of 46 meters. The site contains hundreds of storage amphorae. The culture minister called the find 'one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.'

Italian police announced on Sunday the discovery of a Roman shipwreck approximately 2,100 years old off the coast of Sicily. The ship was found about three nautical miles from the shores of the ancient port city of Mazara del Vallo, at a depth of 46 meters. Preliminary examinations suggest it is a Roman vessel built between the second and first centuries BCE. The site contains hundreds of storage amphorae – ancient clay vessels with two handles used for transporting and storing liquids like wine and olive oil in the ancient world. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called the find 'one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.' The ship was found thanks to a tip from a local fisherman. Diver Giacomo Di Mola described in an Instagram post how he encountered the ship, which initially looked like a simple stone. According to Italian media, the ship is 21 meters long and 6 meters wide.