Ancient 2,500-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered Near Sicily!
Beneath the shallow waters of Santa Maria del Focallo, near Ispica in Sicily, archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery: a 2,500-year-old shipwreck accompanied by six ancient anchors. This remarkable find, uncovered during a three-week underwater excavation that concluded in September, sheds new light on the region's rich maritime past.
Unearthing History: A Collaborative Effort
The excavation was spearheaded by an interdisciplinary team from the University of Udine’s Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage Studies, in partnership with Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea (Soprintendenza del Mare). The project received additional support from the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit and the Port Authority of Pozzallo. Using cutting-edge underwater photogrammetry, the team meticulously documented the site, producing a detailed 3D model of the wreck for further analysis. Samples were also collected for paleobotanical studies to better understand the ship’s construction materials and the environmental conditions it faced.
A Glimpse Into the 6th Century BCE
The shipwreck, found beneath layers of sand and rock at a depth of just six metres (20 feet), dates back to the 6th–5th centuries BCE. The vessel was constructed using the “su guscio” technique, also known as the “shell-first” method. This sophisticated shipbuilding approach involved securing planks tightly with dovetail joints and clamps to create a self-supporting hull, demonstrating the advanced craftsmanship of the era. However, centuries of exposure to marine organisms have left the ship’s remains in a delicate state.
Massimo Capulli, a professor of underwater and naval archaeology at the University of Udine and coordinator of the Kaukana Project, explained:
“This shipwreck provides tangible evidence of trade and cultural exchanges during a pivotal era when Greeks and Phoenicians competed for control of the seas.”
Photo Credit: University of Udine
Ancient Anchors and Maritime Legacy
Close to the wreck, the team discovered six anchors, reflecting different historical periods. Among these were four prehistoric stone anchors, including one with three holes, likely used with wooden flukes. Additionally, two iron anchors in an inverted “T” shape were found, dating to the 7th century CE. These findings highlight the area’s long-standing role as a hub for seafaring activity across millennia.
Part of a Larger Exploration: The Kaukana Project
The excavation forms part of the Kaukana Project, an ongoing initiative launched in 2017 to explore Sicily’s coastal and underwater heritage. Originally co-directed by the late Sebastiano Tusa, the former Superintendent of the Sea, and Massimo Capulli, the project continues to reveal Sicily’s historical significance. Since Tusa’s passing in 2019, the team has carried forward his vision, making discoveries that illuminate the island’s pivotal role in ancient trade and cultural exchange.
This particular wreck was first reported in 2022 by BCsicilia, an organisation committed to preserving Sicily’s cultural heritage. Volunteer diver Antonino Giunta spotted unusual rock formations and wood fragments during a dive, leading to further investigation. Subsequent inspections confirmed the wreck’s existence, culminating in this year’s comprehensive excavation.
The shipwreck and its artefacts serve as invaluable clues to the Mediterranean’s vibrant history during the Archaic to Classical period. Sicily’s colonies were crucial in the trade networks of the time, acting as conduits for goods and ideas across the ancient world. This ancient vessel, preserved in its watery grave, continues to whisper stories of commerce and cultural connection that shaped the Mediterranean’s past.