Italian divers have discovered an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, a vessel more than 2,000 years old. The wreck, found around three miles off Mazara del Vallo at a depth of 46 meters, was piled high with hundreds of amphorae, mostly of the Dressel 1A type. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli praised the Carabinieri, their specialised units, and the Sea Superintendency for their 'expertise and dedication' in making this discovery possible, noting the wreck 'tells us about the people, the routes and the trade that made the Mediterranean a crossroads of civilisations.' This historical vision of open movement across the sea offers a stark counterpoint to the contemporary reality of these waters.
A Sea of Historical Movement
The amphorae, well preserved, were used to transport goods such as wine and olive oil. This cargo speaks to a historical era of extensive trade and human connection across the Mediterranean. The wreckage itself measures 21 meters long and 6 meters wide, according to local media reports, indicating a significant vessel for its time.
The discovery was made during a joint inspection by the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit in Palermo, the Sea Superintendency of the Sicilian Region, and the Carabinieri Underwater Unit in Messina. Support came from the Carabinieri patrol boat in Trapani, following a tip-off from private citizens. Specialist police divers located the ship after fishermen provided the initial lead.
State Apparatus and 'Heritage'
Minister Giuli lauded the Carabinieri's role, highlighting their involvement in safeguarding what he called 'precious fragments of our history.' Their 'expertise and dedication' were instrumental in this archaeological find. This focus on state security forces in the context of cultural heritage stands in sharp contrast to their broader role in enforcing the contemporary border regime across the same Mediterranean waters.
Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola stumbled across the vessel while surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo. He wrote on social media that he decided to dive and investigate after seeing something that appeared to be a large rock on his scanner. 'I get closer. And my heart stops. It wasn't a rock,' he recounted. Instead, he saw hundreds of amphorae. 'This is, without a doubt, the most incredible discovery of my life,' De Mola said. 'It's hard to describe what it feels like to be among the first humans, in nearly 20 centuries, to see that place again.' He posted a video of the wreck showing eels, snappers, and 'countless marine life' living among the jars, adding, 'The sea never ceases to amaze us. This time we didn't just find a wreck, we found a piece of our history.'
Uncovering the Past
Officials stated that safety measures will be taken to safeguard the wreck while it undergoes investigation. Experts will work to determine the nature of the wreck and learn more about its cargo. The site will now be the focus of further documentation and research by the Sea Superintendency, aimed at reconstructing the archaeological context and putting in place the necessary protection measures. Separately, Euronews reported the identification of a large crater and new hydrothermal vents off Panarea in the Aeolian archipelago, about one nautical mile northeast of Panarea at a depth of between 60 and 80 meters. The crater is about 100 meters long and 60 meters wide, with vents characterized by gas emissions from the seabed.