Off the southern coast of Italy, the remains of an ancient Roman cargo ship with a valuable load of amphorae were found. The discovery, which authorities kept secret for months due to fears of looting, may provide new insights into ancient maritime trade.
During routine inspections on the seabed off the coast of Apulia, the Italian police discovered the remains of an ancient Roman ship. This find actually happened in mid-last year, but the public is only finding out now. The reason for the delay was the risk of illegal looting of this archaeologically valuable site.
Rescue crew members noticed anomalies on the sea floor during a regular patrol. After diving, they found the wreck of a cargo ship, which still had several amphorae. Experts estimate the vessel is from around the 4th century AD.
According to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the ship likely set sail from North Africa. It was transporting garum in the amphorae—an intense sauce made from fermented fish, which was a staple ingredient in ancient Roman cuisine and a major trade commodity of its time.
Archaeologists are planning a systematic documentation of the wreck and its surroundings in the coming months. The research is expected to provide valuable insights into Mediterranean trade routes, shipbuilding techniques, and goods movement during the final period of the Roman Empire.
