Wreck of ancient Roman cargo ship found off the coast near Rome


  • World
  • Friday, 28 Jul 2023

A view of amphorae found by Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in a wreck of an ancient Roman cargo ship at the bottom of the sea in Civitavecchia, near Rome, Italy, July 25, 2023. Carabinieri/Handout via REUTERS

ROME (Reuters) - The wreck of an ancient Roman cargo ship from more than 2,000 years ago has been found off the coast near Rome, the arts squad of Italy's Carabinieri police said on Friday.

The ship was located off the port of Civitavecchia, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) north-west of the Italian capital, on a sandy seabed at a depth of about 160 metres (525 ft), a statement said.

The vessel, estimated to be more than 20 metres long and dating from the 1st or 2nd century BC, was carrying hundreds of amphorae -- a type of ancient Roman jar -- that were mostly found intact.

"The exceptional discovery is an important example of the shipwreck of a Roman ship facing the perils of the sea in an attempt to reach the coast, and bears witness to old maritime trading routes," the Carabinieri said.

The relic was located and filmed using a remotely operated robot, they said. It was not immediately clear whether any attempt would be made to recover it or its cargo from the bottom of the sea.

(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Keith Weir)

   

Next In World

South Korea boycotts Japan memorial event at mine in blow for ties
Shazam rides high, reaching 100 billion song recognitions
Namibia to vote in toughest election yet for ruling party
South Korean opposition leader cleared of forcing witness to commit perjury
South Korea's Yoon, Malaysia's Anwar agree to cooperate in defence, minerals
One dead, three hurt as DHL cargo plane crashes into house near Vilnius airport
Russia says it downs seven Ukrainian missiles over Kursk region
Philippines' Marcos vows to fight back after estranged VP's assassination threat
Analysis-Contentious COP29 deal shows climate cooperation fraying at edges
When AI’s output is a threat to AI itself

Others Also Read