Roman-era shipwreck uncovered off Sicily's western coast

Divers located a Roman-era vessel about three miles off the western coast of Sicily, at a depth of roughly 150 feet, police announced. The wreck, dated to the first or second century B.C., held hundreds of clay amphorae, lead anchor stocks and additional artifacts. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called the find "one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years" on social media.

The discovery followed a tip from local residents. Giacomo de Mola, a member of the diving team, described the experience in a video post, noting the rarity of seeing the site after two millennia. He suggested the amphorae might originate from across the ancient world, possibly North Africa or Neo-Punic regions.

Cambridge archaeologist Simon Stoddart said the wreck could help reconstruct ancient Mediterranean trade routes and risk maps, though he warned that excavation at such depth requires specialist equipment and careful planning. He recommended keeping the location confidential until resources and preservation strategies are finalized.

Italian authorities plan to document the site further and determine protective measures, aiming to safeguard the artifacts and eventually make them accessible to the public.