Roman Era Shipwrecks in the Mediterranean

We are going to be looking at wrecks from the Roman Republic, 509 BC, until the end of the Roman Empire in 476 AD.

Rome transitioned into a significant maritime power during the Punic Wars, specifically between 264 and 146 BC, culminating in their dominance over the Mediterranean Sea after defeating Carthage. Initially, Rome's focus was on land-based expansion in Italy, but the conflict with Carthage, a major naval power, forced them to develop their own navy.

After the Punic Wars, Rome's naval strength became an integral part of their imperial power, allowing them to project their influence across the Mediterranean and beyond.

As the number of ships engaged in both trade and war increased, so to did the number of wrecks.

1: The Komiža Shipwreck (400 – 300 BC)

Ancient Greek Shipwreck Discovered Off Komiža, Croatia

A 4th-century BC Greek merchant ship found off Komiža, Croatia in 2023, reveals insights into ancient Adriatic trade, s Read the article >>

2: Kyrenia Shipwreck 295 – 285 BC

Kyrenia Shipwreck: 4th Century BC Greek Merchant Ship & Hellenistic Trade

The Kyrenia Shipwreck is a remarkably well preserved 4th-century BC Greek vessel excavated by Michael Katzev off Cyprus. Read the article >>

3: Mahdia Shipwreck 80–70 BC

The Mahdia Shipwreck: Masterpieces of Art and History Recovered from the Deep

Examining the source of the Mahdia shipwreck's lead ingots through isotopic analysis. Learn how this 2,000-year-old meta Read the article >>

4: Antikythera Shipwreck 60 - 50 BC

Antikythera Shipwreck: Unearthing Ancient Secrets & The First Computer

Explore the Antikythera shipwreck, its 1900 discovery, Roman-era dating (60-50 BC), and the revolutionary Antikythera Me Read the article >>

5: Adrasan Plate wreck c 50 - 20 BC

Adrasan Shipwreck: 1st Century BC Ceramics Discovery

The discovery of the Adrasan Shipwreck, a 1st Century BC cargo vessel found off the Turkish coast. Important for its rem Read the article >>