A fisherman diving off the coast of Sicily has discovered a remarkably preserved Roman shipwreck that lay hidden on the seabed for more than 2,000 years.
Fisherman and free-diver Giacomo De Mola was surveying the seabed near Mazara del Vallo when his scanner picked up an unusual shape. Thinking it was a large rock, he dived down to investigate. Instead, he found hundreds of ancient ceramic jars known as amphorae, which were used to transport goods like wine, olive oil, and grain across the Mediterranean.
The vessel rests about 46 meters (150 feet) below the surface. According to reports in local media, the ship is about 21 meters long and 6 meters wide. Italy's Culture Ministry estimates that the shipwreck dates from the second or first century BC.
After receiving a tip-off from the fishermen, specialist police divers went down to inspect the site. Video footage showed marine life, including eels and snappers, living among the rows of ancient containers.
Italy's Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, described the wreck as "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years." For De Mola, seeing a place untouched for nearly 20 centuries was unforgettable. He called it the most incredible discovery of his life.