A shipwreck from the Roman era has been discovered off the coast of Sicily. The wreck, dating from the second or first century BC, lies about five kilometers off the coast of Mazara del Vallo. According to Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, the find is "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years."

Discovery
The discovery was made by Giacomo De Mola, a highly experienced diver and former world champion underwater fisherman. During a dive, he stumbled upon the archaeological site by chance. After his discovery, De Mola immediately contacted a fellow archaeologist, who called in the Soprintendenza del Mare.

Hundreds of amphorae (the modern-day equivalent of containers) lie near the wreck. Two anchor stocks and a lead structure were also discovered.

Dating
The amphorae are of the Dressel 1A type. This type was used in the late Roman Republic and early Imperial period. 100 BC - 10 BC. The amphorae can be accurately dated thanks to their specific shape and stamps.

Cargo
The Dressel 1A is a key indicator for the study of Roman trade, particularly the wine trade in the late Republic.

Dressel 1A amphorae typically contain wine, especially Campanian wine, which was highly valued in the late Republic and early Imperial period.

WB

Location of the Mazara wreck near Sicily

Route?
The location of the wreck allows us to say something about the ship's possible route. The trade route south of Sicily was already navigated by Greeks and Phoenicians long before the Roman era. A number of the largest Greek colonies are found on the southern coast of Sicily near Mazara. Selinunte and Akragas were already flourishing cities in the 5th century BC. Just across the water in Tunisia lay the wealthy Punic city of Carthage—until it was destroyed by arch-rival Rome in 149 BC. The route continued on to Spain.

The ship was possibly en route with a cargo of wine (from Campania) to southern Spain. Further research will reveal more about the wreck, route, and cargo.

wikicommons

Example of a Dressel 1A amfoor from Spain