GUE divers have explored an ancient Roman wreck in the deep waters of the Mediterranean

In Italian waters near Sicily, a group of divers have made a stunning discovery. At a depth of 125 metres they explored an ancient wreck, dating back to Roman times. In addition to the remains of a wooden structure, they managed to locate an anchor, as well as the cargo carried by the vessel.

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The findings so far suggest that the remains of the ship, which have been found, probably date from the Second Punic War, which was fought between Carthage and Rome between 218 and 201 BC.

Italian researchers and archaeologists are being supported in their work at such great depths by divers from Global Underwater Explorers. A highly skilled group of technical divers have been busy collecting small artefacts that could not be handled by ROVs.

The photographs show large amphorae used for transporting wine, oil and various other items, so popular at the time on the Mediterranean trade routes. Today, they can be invaluable research material and a real time capsule from more than 2000 years ago.

“Diving at this location reminded me of a ghost ship, waiting for the arrival of a crew of ancient mariners,” Jarrod Jablonski, one of the GUE divers, described his impressions.

The wreck described here was located by the Americans in 2010. Using sonar and ROV robots, they initially examined the site and mapped it. From the information revealed, it is located 64 km north of Sicily.

According to the information provided by archaeologists, we are dealing with a wooden vessel 15 m long, belonging to a rich merchant or supplying Roman troops. The ship probably sank as a result of rough weather conditions and running into rocks.

“This wreck, is a great opportunity to get a better insight and understanding of daily life on an ancient ship, and to get a better idea of what trade was like on the ancient Mediterranean routes. Of course, there are several other wrecks that can offer similar learning opportunities, but this one seems to be in by far the best shape” – explains Sebastiano Tusa, an Italian archaeologist studying the vessel.

Source: japantimes.co.jp