Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Ancient Roman Shipwreck With Hundreds of Amphorae Discovered Off Sicily
A long, long time ago, more than 2,000 years ago, a ship from ancient Rome sailed in the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Sicily.
It was carrying many big clay jars called amphorae, which were used to hold things like wine and olive oil.
The ship sank and rested at the bottom of the sea, hidden for over 2,000 years.
Recently, a diver who was spearfishing near a town called Mazara del Vallo noticed something underwater that looked like a big rock, but when he swam closer, he discovered it was actually hundreds of ancient clay jars spread across the ocean floor.
He told the Italian authorities, and special divers from a police unit that protects cultural treasures went to examine the site.
The jars are very well preserved even after all that time underwater.
Many of them are a special style called Dressel 1A, which the Romans used to transport wine.
Italy's Culture Minister said this is one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.
The diver who found it said it was the most incredible discovery of his life.
Italian authorities found an ancient Roman trading vessel resting on the Mediterranean seabed off the coast of Sicily.
The shipwreck, dating back over 2,100 years to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, carries a cargo of around 500 well-preserved amphorae.
Spearfishing diver Giacomo De Mola spotted the wreck near Mazara del Vallo, initially mistaking the jars for a rock formation, and reported it to Italian heritage authorities.
Most of the recovered containers are Dressel 1A amphorae, a style widely used in the late Roman Republic for maritime wine distribution.
Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called the find one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.
- Who
- Spearfishing diver Giacomo De Mola, who spotted and reported the wreck; Italian heritage authorities and the Carabinieri cultural protection unit, which surveyed the site; and Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli. One account also says local fishermen first reported archaeological remains on the seabed.
- What
- Discovery of an ancient Roman trading shipwreck carrying hundreds of well-preserved amphorae on the Mediterranean seabed.
- When
- The wreck dates back over 2,100 years, to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC; the articles do not give the exact date of its discovery.
- Where
- Off the coast of Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily, Italy, about five kilometers offshore at a depth of around 45-50 meters (one report specifies 46 meters).
- Why
- The vessel was likely transporting goods such as wine and olive oil when it sank; the discovery became known after the site was reported to Italian heritage authorities, who plan to study the ship and protect the site.
- Type of discovery
- Ancient Roman trading shipwreck
- Location
- Off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Italy (about 5 km offshore)
- Depth
- About 45-50 meters (one report says 46 meters)
- Age
- Over 2,100 years (2nd to 1st century BC)
- Vessel size
- Approximately 21 meters long and 6 meters wide
- Cargo
- Around 500 well-preserved clay amphorae
- Amphora style
- Dressel 1A
- Original use
- Transporting goods such as wine and olive oil
