Unveiling the Treasures of the Gela II Shipwreck!

Off the coast of Sicily, near the historic city of Gela, archaeologists are in the midst of a significant recovery operation at the site of a 5th-century BC Greek shipwreck, known as “Gela II.” This ancient ship, discovered in 1980 by divers near Bulala, is a fascinating find, having revealed several remarkable treasures – none more intriguing than orichalcum, a metal alloy linked to the legendary city of Atlantis.

Photo Credit: Soprintendenza del Mare

The Rediscovery of Orichalcum – The 'Atlantis Metal'

Lying approximately 1,000 feet off the coast, the Gela II shipwreck remains remarkably well-preserved. Underwater archaeologists initially examined the site in the 1990s, but it wasn't until expeditions in 2015 and 2017 that some of the most significant finds were made. Among these discoveries were 86 ingots of orichalcum, a metal long shrouded in mystery.

The word “orichalcum” comes from the Greek “oreikhalkos,” meaning “mountain copper.” It has been a source of fascination for centuries, largely due to its mention in classical texts. Plato’s Critias describes orichalcum as a highly prized metal, second only to gold, and claims that it adorned the walls of the Temple of Poseidon and Cleito in Atlantis, giving them a radiant red hue. Modern analysis of the ingots retrieved from Gela II shows that orichalcum is an alloy made up of 75-80% copper, 14-20% zinc, and small amounts of nickel, lead, and iron.

Sebastiano Tusa, the former superintendent of Sicily’s Sea Office, highlighted the significance of this discovery. He remarked that, while references to orichalcum were known from ancient writings and a few ornamental artefacts, finding ingots of this metal was unprecedented. Tusa speculated that the ingots likely originated from Greece or Asia Minor.

A Merchant Vessel Frozen in Time

The Gela II ship was a merchant vessel, measuring approximately 50 feet in length and 16 feet in width. It was used to transport goods across the Mediterranean. Along with the orichalcum ingots, archaeologists have also recovered a range of artefacts, including Corinthian helmets, amphorae, pottery, and personal belongings believed to have belonged to the ship's crew.

This discovery offers a unique insight into the lives of ancient seafarers and the trade routes that connected the Mediterranean world. The Gela II shipwreck provides a snapshot of a thriving commercial network, with goods moving between various cultures and regions.

Photo Credit: Emanuele riela, Wikipedia

The Ongoing Recovery Effort

The current recovery operation, managed by the Superintendence of the Sea of the Sicilian Region, in collaboration with specialist companies Atlantis and Cosiam, is a major undertaking. It is expected to take around 270 days to complete and involves carefully dismantling the ship’s timber remains from the seabed for restoration. Once recovered, the timbers will be transferred to the Superintendent for Cultural Property of Caltanissetta before going on display at the Archaeological Park of Gela.

This effort follows the successful excavation of a nearby shipwreck, Gela I, which has since become a popular attraction. Artefacts from the Gela I wreck are now housed in a museum in Bosco Littorio, and the hope is that Gela II will generate similar cultural and tourism interest.

Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, the Sicilian regional councillor for Cultural Heritage, spoke of the significance of the find, noting: “The sea of Gela has returned finds crucial for the reconstruction of its history.”

A Glimpse into the Past

The recovery of Gela II not only sheds light on ancient Greek maritime practices but also offers an exciting link to the legendary civilisation of Atlantis through the rare orichalcum ingots. The ongoing recovery operation promises to reveal even more about this remarkable shipwreck, further enriching our understanding of the ancient Mediterranean world.

As the treasures of the Gela II wreck slowly come to the surface, they bring with them stories of a long-lost era – stories that continue to captivate historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike.