Mazara del Vallo Roman shipwreck

Mazara del Vallo Roman shipwreck is a Roman-era shipwreck discovered in 2026 off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Italy. The wreck has been provisionally dated to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC and contains hundreds of amphorae, predominantly of the Dressel 1A type.[1]

Discovery

The wreck was found approximately three miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, at a depth of 46 metres (151 ft).[1] The discovery was made by underwater fisherman Giacomo De Mola, who noticed something unusual on his boat's scanner and dived to investigate. After finding numerous amphorae on the seabed, he reported the site to the authorities.[2]

The site was subsequently investigated by the Palermo unit of the Carabinieri responsible for the protection of cultural heritage, together with the Sicilian Soprintendenza del Mare and the Carabinieri diving unit of Messina.[3]

Wreck

The archaeological site contains hundreds of amphorae, predominantly of the Dressel 1A type. Two lead anchor stocks and another lead structure were also identified on the seabed.[4][5]

The wreck has been provisionally dated to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.[3][2] Italian Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli described the find as one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years.[2]

Further documentation and investigation of the site are planned by the Soprintendenza del Mare to reconstruct its archaeological context and determine measures for its protection.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 "Roman shipwreck with hundreds of amphorae found off Sicily". Euronews. 9 August 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Roman shipwreck discovered off the coast of Sicily, Italy laden with ancient jars believed to be more than 2,000 years old". CBS News. Agence France-Presse. 9 August 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 "Archeologia, relitto romano al largo di Mazara del Vallo" (in Italian). Italian Ministry of Culture. 8 August 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  4. ↑ "Scoperta archeologica a Mazara del Vallo, relitto romano con anfore a 46 metri di profondità". Rai News (in Italian). 8 August 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "Mazara del Vallo, scoperto un relitto romano con centinaia di anfore". Sky TG24 (in Italian). 8 August 2026. Retrieved 9 August 2026.
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