Ancient Shipwreck Discovered Off Sicily’s Coast Reveals Nautical History

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A major archaeological find has surfaced near Santa Maria del Focallo in the Ispica region of Ragusa, Sicily.

During a comprehensive underwater excavation led by the University of Udine’s Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage Studies, in collaboration with the Soprintendenza del Mare of the Sicilian Region, a shipwreck from the 6th-5th centuries BC was discovered. The site also revealed four stone anchors and two iron anchors.

Located at a depth of only six meters, the shipwreck was concealed under layers of sand and rocks. Experts disclosed that the ship’s hull was constructed using the su guscio technique, which involves connecting the hull planks with dovetail joints and clamps for enhanced strength and resilience.

In proximity to the shipwreck, archaeologists found two sets of anchors. The two “inverted T” iron anchors date back to the 7th century AD, while the stone anchors are believed to be prehistoric, providing a broader historical timeline for the maritime artifacts.

The operation, which spanned three weeks and concluded in September, received support from the Diving Unit of the Coast Guard of Messina and the Port Authority of Pozzallo.

Advanced underwater photogrammetry was employed to create a detailed three-dimensional model of the wreck, ensuring comprehensive documentation of the findings.

Researchers also collected samples for paleobotanical analysis to better understand the materials used in ship construction and the environmental conditions during its era.

This discovery is part of the ongoing Kaukana Project, initiated in 2017, which aims to reconstruct the coastal and underwater landscape between Ispica, Kaukana, and Kamarina.

The collaboration involves the University of Udine along with prominent international research institutions, focusing on preserving and enhancing submerged cultural heritage.

The shipwreck’s unearthing highlights Sicily’s historical role as a pivotal hub in trade with ancient Greece, shedding light on the nautical expertise and vibrant commercial activities in the Mediterranean during that period.