Rome, August 10, 2026 – The Europe Today: An ancient Roman shipwreck believed to be more than 2,000 years old has been discovered off the coast of Sicily, Italian media reported.
According to the ANSA news agency, the wreck, believed to date to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, was located by divers from Italy’s Carabinieri Art Squad following a tip-off from a fisherman.
The vessel, measuring approximately 69 feet (20 meters) in length and 20 feet (6 meters) in width, was found about three miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo at a depth of around 46 meters (151 feet).
Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the discovery as “one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years,” highlighting its significance for the study of the country’s ancient maritime history.
“The sea continues to bring back precious fragments of our history,” Giuli said, adding that further research would be carried out to uncover the vessel’s history and make its findings accessible to the wider community.
The discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into ancient Roman maritime activity and the historical significance of Sicily as a major Mediterranean crossroads.
