New research on a Roman shipwreck off Sicily’s eastern coast is providing fresh evidence that could reshape historians’ understanding of Mediterranean trade during the Roman Republic.
The wreck lies near Capo Mulini, between the coastal towns of Acireale and Aci Castello. A new monitoring and research campaign led by Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea found that a significant share of the amphorae carried by the vessel may have been produced in the area around the Strait of Messina.
Transportation of food products
The discovery points to a stronger role for northeastern Sicily in ancient maritime commerce than previously understood. Amphorae were ceramic containers used to transport goods such as wine, olive oil, and other food products across the Mediterranean.
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Sicily’s regional councillor for cultural heritage and Sicilian identity, said the findings open new opportunities to study the origin of goods and the commercial routes that connected Sicily with the wider Mediterranean during the Roman Republican period.
He said protecting underwater archaeological sites also helps preserve the island’s history while expanding knowledge of its past.
A key shipwreck from the Roman Republic
The Capo Mulini shipwreck dates from the late second century BCE to the middle of the first century BCE. Archaeologists consider it one of the Mediterranean’s most important underwater sites for studying trade during the Roman Republic.
The latest campaign came 10 years after the first investigations at the site. Researchers created a detailed three-dimensional photogrammetric model of the wreck to document its current condition. The survey also allowed the team to record the distribution of the cargo and structural remains with greater precision.
The team recovered several samples for laboratory study, including amphorae, fragments of bricks and roof tiles, and lead pieces taken from the ship’s anchors and bilge pipe.
Researchers will use archaeometric analysis to determine where the materials were produced, examine construction techniques and better understand the ship’s commercial connections.
Deep-water research posed major challenges
The operation presented significant technical challenges. The wreck lies at considerable depth, and strong sea currents complicated diving activities. Sicily’s Superintendency of the Sea carried out the work with support from the Italian Coast Guard, including its patrol vessels and specialist diving unit.
Archaeologist Roberto La Rocca, scientific director of the project, coordinated the fieldwork with honorary inspectors for eastern Sicily, Giamichele Iaria, Leonardo Leonardi and Fabio Portella.
Superintendent of the Sea, Emanuele Turco, said the successful mission demonstrated the agency’s expertise in underwater archaeology and the value of cooperation between public institutions and specialist professionals.
He said the new evidence will help researchers reconstruct the maritime routes and commercial networks that linked eastern Sicily to the wider Mediterranean during the Roman Republican era.
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