Ancient Roman shipwreck discovered off Sicily coast
Italian divers have found a more than 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck off Sicily, laden with hundreds of well-preserved ceramic containers. Italy's culture minister called it one of the most important underwater archaeological finds in recent years.
Specialist police divers have discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily near Mazara del Vallo, at a depth of around 46 metres, following a tip from local fishermen.
According to local media reports, the wreck measures 21 metres long and 6 metres wide. Italy's culture ministry says it dates back to the second or first century BC, making it more than 2,000 years old.
The ship was found carrying hundreds of well-preserved amphorae — tall ceramic jars once used to store and transport goods such as wine, olive oil and grain.
Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the find as one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.
A fisherman's account
Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola said he came across the wreck while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo. He wrote on social media that he decided to dive down after his scanner showed what looked like a large rock.
"I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn't a rock," he wrote, describing how he instead found hundreds of amphorae.
De Mola called it the most incredible discovery of his life, saying it was hard to describe being among the first people in nearly 20 centuries to see the site again.
He shared video footage of the wreck showing eels, snappers and other marine life living among the jars, saying the find was not just a shipwreck but a piece of history.
