Italian police have announced the discovery of an ancient Roman shipwreck off the coast of Sicily, a find that is believed to be over 2,000 years old.

The wreck was located approximately three nautical miles off the coast of Mazara del Vallo in western Sicily, at a depth of 46 meters (150 feet).

Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has called it "one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries of recent years."

Initial surveys suggest the ship dates to between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC, and the site contains hundreds of amphorae, likely used for transporting wine.

Local media report that the ship measures 21 meters in length and 6 meters in width, and was primarily carrying Dressel 1A amphorae, tall cylindrical ceramic jars.

The discovery was made after a tip-off from local fishermen. Diver Giacomo De Mola described the find on Instagram as "the most incredible discovery of my life," recounting how he initially mistook the wreck for a simple rock.

"I see a large dark mass and think, 'Just another big rock…' I get even closer. And my heart stops. It wasn't a rock. Beneath me lay an immense expanse of amphorae — hundreds of amphorae that have lain on the seafloor for over 2,000 years," he said.

De Mola also noted the presence of Lamboglia 2 amphorae, presumably from North Africa, and a Neo-Punic amphora, calling the site "an extraordinary testament to the Mediterranean trade routes of over 2,000 years ago."

Source: www.dw.com