Ancient Shipwreck Discovered Near Sicily
A shipwreck from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. has been uncovered near Sicily, along with ancient stone and iron anchors. Italian officials announced the discovery, which adds significant knowledge to the maritime history of the region. The wreck was found during an underwater excavation project in the waters of Santa Maria del Focallo, close to Ispica, at the southern tip of the Italian island.
Significance of the Discovery
The 2,500-year-old shipwreck was buried beneath layers of sand and rocks. Archaeologists unearthed the vessel using an “on-the-shell” construction technique, a primitive shipbuilding method common among ancient Mediterranean populations. Alongside the wreck, they found several anchors. Two of these iron anchors likely date back to the 7th century A.D., while four heavy stone anchors are believed to originate from the prehistoric era.
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Sicily’s regional councilor for cultural heritage, emphasized the importance of this find. He stated that it represents a crucial piece of Sicily’s submerged cultural heritage. The wreck is particularly significant as it dates back to a pivotal time in the transition from archaic to classical Greece. This period was marked by extensive maritime trade and cultural exchanges, highlighting Sicily’s central role in these interactions.
The excavation, part of the Kaukana Project, lasted three weeks and concluded in September. However, officials only released details of the findings recently. The project involved collaboration between the superintendent of the sea and archaeologists from the University of Udine. Massimo Capulli, a project coordinator, noted that studying the wreck could provide insights into trade dynamics between the ancient Greeks and Carthaginians. These two civilizations vied for control over the seas surrounding Sicily for centuries, making this discovery a vital link to understanding their historical interactions.
Source: ammonnews.net
