Giacomo De Mola Discovers 2,000-Year-Old Roman Shipwreck Off the Coast of Sicily

Italian spear fisherman Giacomo De Mola and his companion Igor Bisulli discovered a Roman-era shipwreck approximately three miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily. The vessel, which dates back to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, was found at a depth of 46 meters. The wreck contains hundreds of clay amphorae, primarily of the Dressel 1A type, which were used to transport wine and olive oil. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the find as one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years. The site features a mound of amphorae piled nearly seven feet high, spanning over 66 feet in length. Authorities from the Carabinieri cultural protection unit and the Sicilian Regional Superintendency of the Sea are coordinating the study of the site. Officials do not plan to raise the entire shipwreck immediately, as they wish to preserve the fragility of the site. The wreck will remain on the seabed for now, protected and studied to reveal more about ancient Mediterranean trade routes.

Sources

• New York Post
  Roman shipwreck believed to be over 2,000 years old discovered in Sicily’s newly unearthed ‘underwater museum’
• CNN
  Fishermen find ancient Roman shipwreck off coast of Sicily
• Yahoo
  Italy identifies Roman-era shipwreck off Sicily carrying hundreds of amphoras
• Smithsonian Magazine
  Off the Coast of Sicily, Divers Discovered a Roman-Era Shipwreck With Hundreds of Amphorae, Ancient Jars Frequently Used to Hold Wine
• The New York Times
  Italian Diver Discovers ‘Treasure at the Bottom of the Sea’ in Sicily