In the shallow waters of Santa Maria del Focallo, near Ispica in Sicily, archaeologists have uncovered a 2,500-year-old shipwreck alongside six ancient anchors. The discovery was conducted during a three-week underwater excavation that concluded in September.
The excavation was led by an interdisciplinary team from the University of Udine’s Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage Studies and Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea (Soprintendenza del Mare). Supported by the Messina Coast Guard Diving Unit and the Port Authority of Pozzallo, the team documented the site using advanced underwater photogrammetry, creating a 3D model of the wreck for precise analysis. Samples were also collected for paleobotanical studies to identify the ship’s construction materials and the environmental conditions of its time.
The shipwreck, buried under sand and rocks at a depth of just six meters (20 feet), dates back to the 6th–5th centuries BCE. The vessel was constructed using the “su guscio” or “shell-first” technique. This method involved tightly joining planks with dovetail joints and clamps to form a self-supporting hull, showcasing the advanced shipbuilding skills of the era. However, centuries of exposure to wood-boring organisms have left the structure in a fragile state.
Massimo Capulli, 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 vied for maritime dominance.”
Near the wreck, researchers discovered six anchors belonging to distinct periods. Four prehistoric stone anchors, including one three-holed specimen likely fitted with wooden flukes, were found alongside two inverted “T”-shaped iron anchors dating to the 7th century CE. These findings reflect the area’s long history as a hub for maritime activity across millennia.
This excavation is part of the Kaukana Project, a long-term initiative launched in 2017 to explore Sicily’s coastal and underwater heritage. The project was originally co-directed by the late Sebastiano Tusa, former Superintendant of the Sea, and Capulli. Since Tusa’s passing in 2019, the team has continued his legacy, uncovering vital insights into the island’s historical significance.
The discovery was first reported in 2022 by BCsicilia, an organization dedicated to preserving Sicily’s cultural heritage. Volunteer diver Antonino Giunta alerted the authorities after spotting unusual rock formations and wood fragments during a dive. Subsequent inspections confirmed the existence of the wreck, prompting this year’s comprehensive excavation.
The shipwreck and its associated artifacts are valuable pieces of the puzzle in understanding ancient Mediterranean trade. During the Archaic to Classical transition, Sicily’s colonies were pivotal in the exchange of goods and ideas. This vessel, a silent witness to that era, offers clues about the commodities traded and the cultural connections forged across the Mediterranean.
More information: The University of Udine / Soprintendenza del Mare
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