Impressive underwater research of a sunken ship of the 1st-2nd centuries. Perfectly preserved glassware was discovered.

Saro's ship Corso 2 was found back in 2012. But only in July 2023, a new photogrammetric survey was carried out for the first time and a variety of preserved glass objects were picked up.

Italian and French specialists took up the task. Joint research work is provided for the location of the wreckage of the ship. The stretch of sea between the island of Capraia, Italy and Cap Corso, France. Work was carried out at a depth of approximately 350 meters.

The importance of this mission is due to the fact that this is the second known case of a sunken Roman ship in the Mediterranean Sea with such cargo. The ship was carrying thousands of blown glassware, as well as several tons of raw glass blocks.

The finds are dated to the end of the 1st - the beginning of the 2nd century AD.

Experts used Arthur, an underwater vehicle that is controlled remotely (remotely operated vehicle, ROV). This vehicle is advanced and can descend to a depth of 2,500 meters.

In addition, the new Arthur prototype captures high-resolution video at great depth, cleans sediment, and is able to pick up discovered artifacts right on the spot, thanks to a special claw.

Scientists discovered a lot of glassware, bottles, cups, plates. Several bronze amphorae and bowls were also found.

Research indicates that the ship came from the Middle East, Syria or Liana and was bound for France. The exact chronology and route of the ship's last voyage will help to learn further analyses.

«All archaeological materials will be transported to the National Authority's laboratory in Taranto for scientific analysis, characterization of biological degradation and restoration», - National Authority of Underwater Cultural Heritage (Taranto).

The research group is counting on a new, much broader project to study unique fragments and artifacts. After all, the results of the first studies turned out to be satisfactory.

«The shipwreck of Capo Corso 2 with its perfectly preserved cargo is a challenge for all researchers involved to reconstruct a page in the history of Mediterranean trade, to develop new technologies for its study and to study a special ecological context that is still little explored and that needs to be protected and appreciate for future generations», - Barbara Davidde, head of the National Administration of Underwater Cultural Heritage (Taranto).

Source: National Directorate of Underwater Cultural Heritage of Italy and the Department of Underwater and Underwater Archaeological Research of the French Ministry of Culture. 

Image by ManuelAñò-ProdAqua