Discovery of Ancient Roman Cargo Shipwreck Off the Coast Near Rome

The Italian Carabinieri's Art Protection Squad reported today, Friday, that the wreck of an ancient Roman cargo ship, more than two thousand years old, has been found off the coast near Rome. The shipwreck was located off the port of Civitavecchia, about 80 kilometers northwest of the Italian capital, resting at the bottom of the sea at a depth of approximately 160 meters. The ship, estimated to be over twenty meters long, dates back to the first or second century B.C. and was carrying hundreds of ancient Roman jars, most of which were found intact. The police stated, "The exceptional discovery is an important example of a Roman shipwreck facing hazards at sea while attempting to reach the shore, and it provides evidence of ancient maritime trade routes." They noted that they have pinpointed the location of the wreck and were able to capture images using a remotely operated robot.