Ancient Roman Shipwreck Found Off Sicily, Carrying Hundreds of Wine Amphorae

An extraordinary underwater archaeological discovery has been made off the coast of Sicily, where Italian divers have located a 2,100-year-old Roman shipwreck. The vessel, found approximately 4.8 kilometers off Mazara del Vallo, is believed to have sunk between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.

The most striking feature of the wreck is the cargo it carries: hundreds of remarkably well-preserved terracotta amphorae. These large, two-handled jars were commonly used in antiquity for transporting goods, most notably wine. The discovery offers a valuable glimpse into Roman trade and maritime practices during that era.

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one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli hailed the find as "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in recent years." The shipwreck was located at a depth of about 46 meters by divers from Palermo's cultural heritage protection unit, following a tip from local fishermen.

One of the divers, Giacomo De Mola, shared his astonishment on Instagram, describing the moment he saw the vast array of amphorae below him. The ship itself is estimated to be about 21 meters long and 6 meters wide, primarily carrying Dressel 1A type amphorae, a tall, slender cylindrical container often used for wine. This find is expected to provide significant insights into Roman commerce and shipbuilding.

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The visibility was not the best... I swam closer and then my heart stopped: below me was a large expanse of terracotta amphorae.