Police video shows ancient Roman shipwreck with hundreds of amphorae discovered off Sicily; minister calls it one of most important underwater finds

An ancient Roman shipwreck, dating from the 2nd to 1st centuries BC, was discovered approximately three miles off Mazara del Vallo, at a depth of 46 metres. The site contains hundreds of amphorae, primarily of the Dressel 1A type, along with two lead anchor stocks.¹⁴

The discovery was made by the Carabinieri's Cultural Heritage Protection Unit during a joint inspection with the Sea Superintendency of the Sicilian Region, following a tip-off from private citizens. Minister for Culture, Alessandro Giuli, praised the efforts of the Carabinieri and emphasized the importance of the find, stating, “The sea continues to give back precious fragments of our history”.⁵⁶⁷

The site will undergo further documentation and research to reconstruct its archaeological context and implement necessary protection measures. Giuli noted that the wreck tells the story of the people, routes, and trade that made the Mediterranean a crossroads of civilizations, highlighting the ongoing significance of underwater archaeology in understanding historical narratives.⁸

This discovery marks a pivotal moment in the exploration of ancient maritime trade routes and the cultural exchanges that occurred in the Mediterranean region, reinforcing the importance of preserving such underwater heritage for future generations.