Ancient Roman shipwreck found off Sicily coast

Italy’s culture minister has described a recent underwater discovery as “one of the most important archaeological finds in years.” The site, located off the coast of southern Italy, contains a well‑preserved Roman-era shipwreck that was uncovered during a routine sonar survey by the Italian Navy. Divers recovered a cargo of amphorae, bronze fittings, and fragments of marble statues, all dated to the first century AD through thermoluminescence testing and stylistic analysis. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 45 metres, and its intact hull provides rare insight into ancient shipbuilding techniques.

Archaeologists from the Ministry of Culture’s Department of Underwater Archaeology are now conducting a systematic excavation, employing photogrammetry and 3D mapping to document the site. The minister emphasized that the find could shed new light on Mediterranean trade networks and the movement of goods during the early Imperial period. Conservation efforts are underway to stabilize the recovered artifacts, and a preliminary report is expected later this year, with plans to display selected items in a museum exhibition dedicated to Italy’s maritime heritage.