6th Century BC Shipwreck Discovered Near Sicily – History Blog

A shipwreck in the waters off Santa Maria del Focalo, a seaside town on the southern tip of Sicily, dates to the 6th or 5th century BC. Underwater excavations uncovered the wreck at a depth of 20 feet, with woods on the mountain buried beneath sand and rocks.

Experts revealed that the ship’s hull was built using the su guscio technique, a method that involves joining the hull’s planks with dovetail joints and clamps, giving the structure significant strength and self-sufficiency.

In addition, two sets of anchors were found near the wreck. Two inverted “T” iron anchors date to the 7th century AD, while four stone anchors appear to be of prehistoric origin, extending the age of the elements found.

The presence of a wreck at the site was first reported to the Marine Regulatory Authority in 2022 and documented by Antonino Giunta, a volunteer at the non-profit cultural association BCsicilia. Regulators subsequently conducted an excavation campaign, which ended in September this year. The wreckage was not removed, but divers collected beam samples for paleobotanical analysis. They also took high-resolution photos of the wreck site. Using photogrammetry, the team was able to create a 3D model of the shipwreck, which was used to accurately document the wreckage.

The discovery of the shipwreck highlights Sicily’s importance as a strategic point on trade routes with ancient Greece.

The materials and technology found not only provide insight into the seafaring skills of the time, but also highlight the intense commercial and cultural activity that flourished in the Mediterranean.