Shipwreck, jars more than 2,000 years old found off Italian coast
Divers off the coast of Sicily have discovered a Roman-era shipwreck containing hundreds of ancient clay amphorae dating back to the first or second century B.C. The site, located 3 miles offshore, is considered a significant archaeological find that offers insight into ancient Mediterranean trade.
Why it matters
This discovery provides valuable historical data regarding ancient maritime trade routes and Roman-era logistics in the Mediterranean.
Hear this story A group of Italian divers discovered a Roman shipwreck stocked with hundreds of ancient clay jars in the warm waters off the coast of Sicily, authorities said.
The ship is believed to date back to the second or first century B.C., according to the Italian Ministry of Culture. Divers located it about 3 miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, a city on the western coast of Sicily.
Alessandro Giuli, Italy's minister of culture, described it as "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years."
Videos posted online by the Ministry of Culture show divers swimming over hundreds of amphorae, clay jars used in ancient Greek and Roman societies to store goods like wine and olive oil.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in