5 Ancient Roman Shipwrecks Found Off Italy Coast

[tekisui]

Source: AP

ROME – Archaeologists have found five well-preserved Roman shipwrecks deep under the sea off a small Mediterranean island, with their cargo of vases, pots and other objects largely intact, officials said Friday.

The ships are submerged between 100 and 150 meters (about 330 to 490 feet) off Ventotene, a tiny island that is part of an archipelago off Italy's west coast between Rome and Naples.

The ships, which date from between the 1st century B.C. and the 4th century, carried amphorae — vases used for holding wine, olive oil and other products — as well as kitchen tools and metal and glass objects that have yet to be identified, Italy's Culture Ministry said. The spot was highly trafficked, and hit by frequent storms and dangerous sea currents.

The discovery is part of a new drive by archaeological officials to scan deeper levels of the sea and prevent looting of submerged treasures.

more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090724/ap_on_re_eu/eu_italy_roman_shipwrecks

[babylonsister]

1. Very cool! nt

[virgogal]

2. That's mind boggling. Now I have to hit my atlas to check the loc.

[snailly]

3. Fascinating

Thanks for the link!

[ixion]

4. w00t! very cool... it'll be interesting to see what they pull up

thanks!

[dgibby]

5. Too cool.

If I had it to do over again, I'd love to be an archaeologist.

[Mrs. Overall]

6. Yeah! I *heart* ancient Rome!