Ancient Greek Shipwreck Discovered Off Sicily Reveals Rare Artifacts

A remarkably well-preserved ancient Greek shipwreck dating back to the 6th or 5th century BC was discovered off the coast of Santa Maria del Focallo in Ispica, Sicily, just six meters below the surface. The excavation, part of the Kaukana Project led by the University of Udine and the Sicilian Region’s Superintendency of the Sea, has revealed rare elements such as the ship's mast, black-figure pottery, an alabastron inscribed with the Greek word "Ναῦ" meaning "ship," and a section of ship's rope in excellent condition. Using a hydraulic suction dredge, the team extended the dig to expose additional parts of the vessel including the keelson, an internal beam, and one of the ship’s wheels, most of which had been buried under sand and stones. The findings were documented through photogrammetry, resulting in a 3D model of the ship that aids the study of ancient Greek shipbuilding technology. This discovery is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in the Mediterranean in recent years and is also featured in the documentary "Shipwrecks of Sicily." The Kaukana Project aims to reconstruct the coastal and submerged landscape of southeastern Sicily, focusing on ancient cities including Ispica, Kaukana, and Kamarina.