Roman Shipwreck Discovered Off The Coast Of Sicily
The ship is believed to have been carrying jars containing wine when it sank, close to Isola delle Femmine off the coast of northwestern Sicily.
Archaeologists discovered the wreck at a depth of 300ft, using a submersible robot which was piloted from the Calypso South vessel.
The experts spotted pictures of a number of amphorae in the robot’s images and suspected that they were about to make a significant discovery.
Amphorae were tall containers with handles which were used to store foods and liquids. The remains of the ship have been dated to over two thousand years ago.
Alberto Samona, councillor of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, noted that the discovery was "perhaps one of the most important findings of recent months".
The coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea were key to the supply of grain to the Italian mainland during the height of the occupation by the Roman Republic.
The island was the first province to be conquered by the Roman Republic and was partially brought under Roman control in 241 BC.
Our Ancient Sicily tour visits the Piazza Armerina, a fourth century CE villa, perhaps a hunting lodge of one of the emperors, which contains the largest series of Roman mosaics still in situ.
Pictured: Example of Amphorae stacking © 2008, Ad Meskens
Added: 5th August 2021
