Ancient Ships Found in Mediterranean With Cargo Intact

Two ancient merchant vessels that sank centuries apart have been discovered in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. Alongside the shipwrecks, archaeologists found more than a thousand amphorae, large clay jars used in antiquity to transport wine, oil, and other commodities.

The older of the two ships was located near the Greek island of Andros, at a depth of 39 to 44 meters. Greece's Underwater Antiquities Department investigated the site after a private individual reported spotting archaeological artifacts in the area.

Examination revealed the remains of a merchant ship's cargo dating to the second half of the fifth century or early fourth century BCE. Researchers estimate the cargo includes between 600 and 650 pointed amphorae designed for maritime transport.

The archaeologists identified at least three distinct types of amphorae. Some were produced in the ancient city of Mende, located on the Chalkidiki peninsula, while others originated from the island of Peparethos, known today as Skopelos. The site also yielded amphorae of the type known as "Solocha 2," associated with trade networks stretching from the Black Sea region to Greece.

The presence of multiple storage vessel types in a single cargo may help researchers reconstruct the ship's route, the ports where it docked, and the commercial networks operating across the Aegean Sea approximately 2,400 years ago. One vessel from each of the three amphora types was raised for preservation and study. Alongside the cargo, archaeologists also discovered part of a lead anchor and several stones that likely served to stabilize the ship.

A diver beside the discovered jars. (Greek Culture Ministry)

Another significant discovery was made off the city of Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily. At a depth of approximately 46 meters and about five kilometers from shore, researchers found the remains of a Roman merchant ship that sank roughly 2,100 years ago.

The vessel, estimated at about 21 meters long and six meters wide, carried approximately 500 amphorae. Many belong to the "Dressel 1A" type, common between the second and first centuries BCE and used primarily for wine transport. The site also contained amphorae of other types, including vessels originating in North Africa and regions under Punic influence.

Diver and underwater fisherman Giacomo De Mola initially spotted what appeared to be a large rock while surveying the seabed. Upon closer approach, he discovered an enormous field of pottery jars. After he reported the find, Italian authorities arrived to document the site and conduct a three-dimensional scan of the ship's remains and cargo.

Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli described the Roman ship as one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries revealed in recent years. According to him, the find provides further evidence of the Mediterranean's significance as a central hub of commerce, movement, and cultural exchange.

The two discoveries, published just weeks apart, open a rare window into the economic life of the ancient world. The amphorae that remained on the seabed for thousands of years may reveal what the ships carried, where the cargo was loaded, and which port they were attempting to reach before sinking into the depths.