Well-Preserved Ancient Roman Shipwreck Discovered Off Italy

Divers have reportedly discovered a 2,000-year-old shipwreck off Italy’s coast

The ship was located near the town of Varazze in Liguria and is believed to be a Roman-era commercial vessel.

Local fishermen have been recovering pottery shards for years, prompting authorities to initiate the search. The ship is also believed to be almost intact; the mud on the seabed hid the wreck, but kept it in a well-preserved condition.

It dates back to between the 1st Century BC and the 1st Century AD and should be able to provide insight into the commercial activity during that time. The ship is thought to have travelled on trade routes between Spain and what is now central Italy and was loaded with more than 200 clay amphorae likely to have contained fish, wine, oil and grain, reports BBC News.

The divers responsible for the find think it will be possible to raise the vessel from its watery grave, but it is up to Italian officials to decide whether it is feasible to launch such an extensive operation.

Currently, no fishing or boat passage is being permitted at the now-secured wreck site.