Divers uncover hundreds of ancient relics near shipwreck untouched for 2,100 years

The wreck was discovered during a joint inspection by Italian cultural heritage officials and Carabinieri diving units after private citizens reported the site.

The Roman-era wreck dates between the second and first centuries B.C., the ministry said.

Divers found the site at a depth of about 150 feet.

Pictures show hundreds of ancient amphorae clustered across the seabed, many still remarkably intact despite spending more than 2,000 years underwater.

In a statement, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli called the find "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years."

He added, "The sea continues to return precious fragments of our history to us, and the Mazara del Vallo shipwreck tells us about the people, routes and trade that made the Mediterranean a crossroads of civilizations."

"Research will continue to uncover its history and make it available to the public."

Sicily's Superintendency of the Sea will conduct further research to learn more about the site's history and establish measures to protect it.