Greece

By Nisha Zahid - Greek Reporter

An ancient Greek shipwreck was uncovered just six meters below the surface off the coast of Santa Maria del Focallo, in the municipality of Ispica, Sicily.

The remarkably well-preserved vessel dates back to between the 6th and 5th centuries BCE and is considered one of the most significant finds in the Mediterranean in recent years. The shipwreck was first uncovered in 2024 during the fifth phase of underwater excavations, with further discoveries made in 2025 as part of the sixth campaign.

The excavation is led by the University of Udine’s Department of Humanities and Cultural Heritage, in partnership with the Sicilian Region’s Superintendency of the Sea.

The effort is part of the Kaukana Project, a long-term scientific initiative launched in 2017 by the late Sebastiano Tusa and Massimo Capulli.

The project focuses on reconstructing the historical and underwater landscape of Ragusa province by exploring coastal remains near the ancient cities of Ispica, Kaukana, and Kamarina.

During the five-week excavation conducted between May and June of 2025, archaeologists uncovered an unusually intact structure.

The team retrieved a mast—a component rarely found preserved in ancient wrecks—alongside black-figure pottery, a section of rope in excellent condition, and a small alabastron, or perfume vessel, inscribed with the Greek word “Ναῦ” (Nau), meaning “ship.”

Full story...