Marine archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable 2,500-year-old shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, revealing an array of unusual artifacts. The excavation, which spanned three weeks and concluded in September, not only exposed the remains of an ancient vessel but also a fascinating mix of prehistoric tools and ancient anchors.
This discovery was officially announced on December 9 by the Superintendence of the Sea (SopMare), a Sicilian organization dedicated to protecting ancient artifacts in maritime waters. The wreck was located at a depth of six meters, near the city of Ragusa in southeastern Sicily, buried under sand and rocks.
Dating back to the 5th-6th centuries BCE, the ship was constructed using the 'carene' technique, which involves joining wooden planks with 'tenon and mortise' joints, providing the structure with self-supporting capabilities. This advanced shipbuilding technique highlights the expertise of shipwrights from that era.
According to SopMare, these findings indicate the existence of active trade routes between Greece and Sicily in ancient times.
One of the most impressive achievements of the research team was the use of underwater photogrammetry to create a three-dimensional model of the wreck and its artifacts. This technology allows for detailed analysis of the remains, providing precise insights into ancient ship construction and maritime trade in the region.
Additionally, collected samples will undergo paleobotanical analyses to study the organic materials used in the ship's construction and to gain a better understanding of the resources available during that period.
Sicily, located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, continues to be a rich source of archaeological discoveries. In April 2024, SopMare announced the finding of a 'strange boulder' in the Ionian Sea near Vendicari Island. This was identified as a medieval helmet, likely produced between the late 1400s and early 1600s, discovered at a depth of just five meters.
The discovery of the shipwreck off Sicily's coast and the associated artifacts provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's maritime past. The prehistoric artifacts, combined with modern exploration technologies, offer a unique perspective on trade exchanges and the evolution of shipbuilding technology.
This type of discovery underscores the importance of preserving underwater heritage and demonstrates how much more there is to learn about interactions among ancient civilizations.