Ancient Roman Shipwreck Found by Genoa

Italian police divers have discovered hundreds of shipping jars in a sunken merchant ship that dates back to the beginning of the Common Era.

 

The wreck is located in the waters off of Genoa, some 60 to 70 meters down. It was found by an automated underwater rover after fishermen had reported finding pottery fragments in their nets.

 

The ship contains amphorae, typically ceramic containers which were used when shipping food products, such as oil, wine, and olives.

 

These specific amphorae date the wreck back to the times of Ancient Rome, used by Roman merchants between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE.

 

Police officials say the 2,000-year-old wreck reportedly contains intact, sealed jars, potentially allowing scientists to study their contents.

 

Police said they would monitor the site to protect the findings.