VIDEO / Divers near Sicily find Roman wreckage more than 2,100 years old: "My heart stopped beating"

Italian divers have uncovered the wreck of a Roman ship more than 2,000 years old off the coast of Sicily, revealing a remarkable cargo of hundreds of well-preserved amphorae believed to have been used for transporting wine. The discovery was made approximately five kilometers from the town of Mazara del Vallo, at a depth of around 46 meters. The find has drawn praise from cultural authorities, with Italy’s minister of culture, Alessandro Giuli, calling it one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years. The wreck was identified as dating back to either the second or first century B.C., according to the police unit responsible for protecting cultural heritage in Palermo. Alongside the shipwreck, two lead anchors were found, providing further evidence of its ancient origin. The vessel itself measured roughly 21 meters in length and six meters in width, making it a substantial structure for its time. The presence of numerous amphorae, specifically of the Dressel 1A type, suggests the ship was primarily used for carrying wine, a crucial commodity in the Roman economy. The discovery came after fishermen alerted authorities to unusual formations on the seabed. Giacomo De Mola, a diver and fisherman, described his moment of realization upon encountering the site. “Visibility wasn’t the best,” he wrote on Instagram. “I approached, and my heart stopped. Beneath me lay a vast field of amphorae.” His post included a video capturing the moment, which quickly gained attention online. De Mola and his colleague Igor Bisulli were among the first to explore the site, confirming the presence of the shipwreck and its contents. Archaeologists are particularly excited about the potential insights this discovery could provide into maritime trade routes and commercial practices in the Mediterranean over two millennia ago. The sheer number of preserved amphorae offers a rare glimpse into the scale of ancient commerce, especially the role of Sicily as a key hub in the Roman world. These artifacts can help researchers understand how goods were transported, stored, and distributed during antiquity. Local media reports indicate that the shipwreck was discovered during routine operations conducted by the Carabinieri’s underwater police unit, which specializes in protecting cultural heritage. The unit works closely with regional authorities such as the Soprintendenza per il Mare in Sicily to monitor and preserve historical sites beneath the sea. This collaboration ensures that such finds are documented properly before being exposed to potential damage from human activity or environmental factors. Minister Giuli emphasized the significance of the discovery in a public statement, noting that it reflects the complex interactions between different civilizations in the Mediterranean. He highlighted how such findings continue to reveal fragments of history that connect modern societies to their ancient past. The minister expressed gratitude to the divers and officials involved, acknowledging their efforts in uncovering this piece of history. Further analysis of the wreck will involve detailed documentation and possibly the recovery of select items for study. Researchers plan to conduct sonar scans and underwater surveys to map the entire site and assess the condition of the amphorae. These efforts aim to ensure that the site remains protected while allowing scholars to extract maximum knowledge from the materials found. The Italian government has pledged support for ongoing research and preservation initiatives related to the discovery.