A Roman-era shipwreck believed to date to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC has been discovered about three miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, at a depth of 46 meters.

Axar.az reports, citing Italian Ministry of Culture, that hundreds of amphorae, mainly of the Dressel 1A type, as well as two lead anchor stocks and another lead structure were found on the seabed.

“It is one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years,” Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said.

“I congratulate the Carabinieri, its specialized units, and the Superintendency of the Sea of the Sicilian Region for the expertise and dedication that made this result possible,” Giuli said.

“The sea continues to return precious fragments of our history, and the Mazara del Vallo wreck tells us about the people, routes and exchanges that made the Mediterranean a crossroads of civilizations. Research will continue to uncover its history and make it available to the public,” he added.

The discovery was made during a joint survey involving the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit in Palermo, the Superintendency of the Sea of the Sicilian Region and the Carabinieri Underwater Unit of Messina, with support from the Carabinieri patrol boat in Trapani.

Further documentation and research will be carried out at the site to reconstruct its archaeological context and ensure its protection.