Ancient Roman shipwreck found off Sicily, culture minister says

Italy's culture minister has announced the discovery of an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, describing it as one of the most important underwater archaeological finds in years, according to the BBC. The vessel, believed to date back around 2,000 years, was found by an underwater fisherman who called it the 'most incredible' discovery of his life, CBS News reported.

The wreck was located near the Sicilian coast, a stretch of water that has long served as a crossroads for Mediterranean trade. The find includes ancient jars, or amphorae, which were used to transport goods such as wine, oil and grain across the Roman Empire's maritime routes.

The discovery underscores Sicily's place at the centre of ancient Mediterranean commerce, a role that shaped the island's layered history under Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman rule. The culture minister's office has yet to announce plans for excavation or preservation, according to the reports.