Italian archaeologists and divers from a Florida-based group called Global Underwater Explorers (GUE) have recovered a wide range of artifacts from an ancient shipwreck in the Mediterranean Sea, off the Aeolian Island of Panarea near Italy.
Divers illuminate artifacts of the Panarea III ship. Image credit: © Global Underwater Explorers.
The ship, dubbed Panarea III, is believed to have sailed around 218-210 BC, during the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage.
It was discovered at a depth of 130 meters in 2010 by U.S. archaeologists using sonar gear and a remotely operated submersible.
The Italian archaeologists speculate that the ship was a supply vessel in the fleet of the Roman consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus.
During this year’s expedition, the team was able to identify and recover 16 ancient artifacts including Italic and Punic amphoras.
Archaeologists examine a louterion that was recovered from the site of the Panarea III shipwreck. Image credit: © Global Underwater Explorers.
Among the finds there was a unique vessel, called louterion, with the inscription of Greek letters and intricate wave pattern.
“The preliminary investigation revealed more details of the cargo, such as the presence of small fishing plates, kalathoi, pitcher, and the louterion,” the archaeologists said.
They said the latter was probably used as a sacrificial altar on board the ship.
“Metal supports still imbedded in the base were likely used for fastening to the deck,” added Jarrod Jablonski, one of the divers with the GUE group.
“The louterion is one of many unique discoveries that promise to help redefine what we understand about ancient trade routes and commerce in the 3rd century BC.”
