A Roman-era shipwreck has been discovered in the waters off Mazara del Vallo, Sicily. The discovery was made about three miles from the coast, at a depth of 46 meters, and may date to a period between the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. The remains of the ship’s cargo have been identified on the seabed, consisting of hundreds of amphorae, predominantly of the Dressel 1A type, one of the main types of containers used in Roman times for transporting products and goods. Alongside the amphorae, two lead anchor stocks and another structure made of the same material were also identified.
The wreck was discovered during a joint operation involving the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit (TPC) of Palermo, the Sicilian Regional Superintendency of the Sea, and the Carabinieri Underwater Unit of Messina. The Carabinieri patrol boat from Trapani also provided support for the operation. The operation was launched following a report from several citizens, which allowed specialists to verify the presence of the artifacts on the seabed.
The submerged archaeological site will now undergo further documentation, study, and in-depth analysis by the Superintendence of the Sea. The upcoming investigations will be crucial for more precisely determining the nature of the wreck, reconstructing the archaeological context, and understanding the characteristics of the cargo carried by the vessel.
“This is one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years,” stated Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli. “I congratulate the Carabinieri, with its specialized units, and the Sicilian Regional Superintendence of the Sea for the expertise and dedication that made this achievement possible. The sea continues to reveal precious fragments of our history, and the Mazara del Vallo shipwreck tells us about the people, the routes, and the trade that made the Mediterranean a crossroads of civilizations. Research will continue to uncover its history and share it with the public.”
At the same time, the necessary measures will be taken to safeguard and protect the site, with the aim of preserving the artifacts and ensuring the proper promotion of this new evidence of the Roman-era maritime presence and trade in the waters off western Sicily. The discovery of the Mazara del Vallo shipwreck thus adds a new piece to the puzzle of Sicilian underwater archaeology and the trade routes that crossed the Mediterranean during the Roman era.
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| Mazara del Vallo: A Roman-era shipwreck containing hundreds of amphorae has been discovered at a depth of 46 meters |
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