Wreck from 2000 years ago found in Italy

Listen to this article A group of police divers exploring the waters of north-west Italy have come across an unusual find – a wreck 2000 years old! A merchant ship that probably sailed from Spain to ancient Rome. Preliminary examination shows that the wreck is very well preserved, thanks to the fact that it was

ByTomasz Andrukajtis

Published: August 8, 2012 - 14:33

Updated: July 22, 2023 - 05:05

Wreck from 2000 years ago found in Italy

Listen to this article

A group of police divers exploring the waters of north-west Italy have come across an unusual find – a wreck 2000 years old! A merchant ship that probably sailed from Spain to ancient Rome. Preliminary examination shows that the wreck is very well preserved, thanks to the fact that it was buried in the bottom.

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The cargo of jugs and amphorae found suggests that they were carrying wine, oils, roots and seeds to be sold in the Roman Empire. Unfortunately for the crew, the ship never reached its destination. The location of the wreck was given to scientists by a local fisherman.

Fortunately for posterity, the bottom at this location is very soft and muddy, so that the entire wreck has been covered by sediment. As expected by the divers examining the wreck, the whole thing, as a result of the lack of light and oxygen, should be in very good condition. If this is confirmed, we will be dealing with a real rarity.

Archaeologists are so convinced of the value of the find that the first voices are being raised in favour of the authorities raising the wreck. An expensive and complicated undertaking, but the specimen may turn out to be a real rarity.

Under this link you will find underwater shots from the place where the discovery was made.

Source: bbc.co.uk

About author

Tomasz Andrukajtis

Editor-in-chief of the DIVERS24 portal and magazine. Responsible for obtaining, translating and developing content. He also supervises all publications. Achived his first diving certification – P1 CMAS, in 2000. Has a degree in journalism and social communication. In the diving industry since 2008.