Archaeological excavation, recovery of the first Archaic Greek shipwreck of Gela

Archaeological excavation and recovery of the first Archaic Greek shipwreck of Gela

ES Srl Progetti e Sistemi, in collaboration with the Scientific Directorate of the Superintendency of Caltanissetta, completed the underwater archaeological excavation and recovery, two kilometres east of Gela, of an Archaic Greek shipwreck. The vessel, dating back to 500 BC, is 21 metres long and is believed to have sunk 25 centuries ago during a storm while, loaded with goods collected in the ancient Greek colony of Gela, it was returning to its homeland. It is one of the few surviving examples of an Archaic Greek vessel built using sewn-plank construction, with the planks joined together using ropes made from plant fibres.