A Roman shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Sicily, Italy, carrying hundreds of ancient amphorae, according to reports by CBS News and other outlets. The jars are believed to be more than 2,000 years old.
Images and police video reportedly show the wreck and the concentration of amphorae on the seabed. Amphorae were large ceramic vessels commonly used in the ancient Mediterranean to transport and store goods.
The discovery offers an opportunity to study a Roman-era vessel and the cargo it carried. The condition and arrangement of the jars may provide information about ancient maritime trade and shipping in the region.
Further examination of the wreck and its artifacts is expected to help establish more details about the ship, its cargo and the circumstances of its sinking. The site’s archaeological importance also highlights the need to protect submerged cultural heritage.