Uncovering the Fastest Sea Route from Italy to Africa: Surprising Discoveries from the UNESCO Expedition

Newly Discovered Roman Shipwrecks Challenge Ancient Theory

Archaeologists were left surprised by a recent discovery of Roman shipwrecks off the coast of Sicily. The finding challenges the long-held belief that the Romans rarely ventured into the open sea due to the inability of their ships to withstand high waves.

The route from Tunisia to Sicily is known to be the fastest sea route from Italy to Africa. However, historical sources suggest that the Romans preferred to stick to the Mediterranean coast rather than risk the open sea. The newly discovered shipwrecks, however, indicate that there were Roman traders who were willing to take the risk and sail directly from Sicily to Tunisia, then known as Carthage.

The discovery was made during a UNESCO expedition that spanned several years and involved experts from eight different countries. Using remotely controlled underwater robots, the team mapped an area of approximately 140 kilometers. This project marks a significant advancement in underwater archaeology.

Underwater archaeologist Franca Cibecchini, a member of the expedition, explained that previous underwater archaeologists had to rely on diving or chance encounters with objects caught in fishing nets. The unexplored nature of the seabed in this area made the team uncertain about what they would find.

While Roman ships were theoretically capable of making the journey across the Mediterranean, it was not without its dangers. The presence of these shipwrecks suggests that while some ships may have perished, others successfully completed the voyage.

In addition to the three Roman ships, the expedition also uncovered 21 other shipwrecks from various historical periods. Among them was a 250-foot metal ship believed to date back to the 19th century.

The discovery of these Roman shipwrecks challenges the prevailing belief about the Romans’ aversion to the open sea. It sheds new light on the trading practices and maritime capabilities of the ancient civilization. Further research and analysis of these shipwrecks will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the seafaring history of the Romans.

How does the discovery of Roman shipwrecks challenge the traditional belief about their seafaring capabilities?

Surprising discovery challenges ancient theory about Roman ships

In a remarkable find off the coast of Sicily, archaeologists have uncovered Roman shipwrecks that challenge long-held beliefs about the seafaring capabilities of the ancient civilization. This revelation goes against the traditional idea that Romans rarely ventured into the open sea due to their ships’ inability to withstand rough waves.

Historical sources suggest that the Romans preferred to stick to the Mediterranean coast, not daring to risk the open sea. However, the recent discovery of these shipwrecks reveals that there were Roman traders who were willing to take the chance and sail directly from Sicily to Carthage (now Tunisia), a route known to be the fastest sea route from Italy to Africa.

The exciting find was made during a UNESCO expedition spanning several years and involving experts from eight different countries. Employing remotely controlled underwater robots, the team meticulously mapped an area of approximately 140 kilometers, marking a significant advancement in underwater archaeology.

Archaeologist Franca Cibecchini, part of the expedition, explained that previous underwater explorations relied on diving or chance encounters with objects caught in fishing nets. The unexplored nature of the seabed in this area left the team with an air of uncertainty as to what they would discover.

While Roman ships theoretically had the capability to make the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, it was not without its risks. The presence of these shipwrecks suggests that while some ships may have succumbed to the treacherous sea, others successfully completed the voyage.

In addition to the three Roman ships, the expedition also unearthed 21 other shipwrecks from different historical periods. Notably, among the findings was a massive 250-foot metal ship believed to date back to the 19th century.

The discovery of these Roman shipwrecks challenges the prevailing belief about the Romans shying away from the open sea. It sheds new light on their trading practices and maritime capabilities, offering valuable insights into the seafaring history of this ancient civilization. Further research and analysis of these remarkable shipwrecks are sure to provide even more fascinating revelations about the Romans’ journey on the high seas.