A Roman merchant shipwreck carrying one of antiquity’s most prized foods, garum sauce, has been discovered in the Ionian Sea.
Marine archaeologists identified the shipwreck in June 2025 on the seabed along a major maritime corridor used during the Roman Imperial period. Researchers say the vessel was a large oneraria, a type of Roman cargo ship designed to transport heavy loads over long distances. Despite centuries underwater, the ship’s structure and cargo remain unusually intact.
At the center of the discovery is its shipment: hundreds of amphorae that once held garum, a fermented fish sauce that ranked among the most valuable and widely traded products of the Greek and Roman world.
A merchant vessel built for long-distance trade
The size and construction of the ship point to an organized, large-scale commercial operation. Oneraria vessels formed the backbone of Roman maritime logistics, moving food, oil, wine, and luxury goods between coastal production centers and major ports.
Researchers date the wreck to the early Imperial period. The hull survived collapse, preserving rows of amphorae stacked in a precise and stable arrangement. Such preservation is rare for commercial vessels, which often broke apart due to currents, sediment shifts, or later human activity.
The cargo layout suggests deliberate planning, researchers said. Amphorae were positioned to balance weight and protect the ship during extended sea crossings.
Garum and the Roman economy
Garum was produced by fermenting fish parts with salt, creating a sauce known for its strong smell and high demand. Premium varieties commanded high prices, while simpler versions were widely used in everyday cooking across the Roman Empire.
The amphorae recovered from the wreck match containers used specifically for garum export. Their shapes and surface markings suggest production in large coastal workshops and shipment to distant markets across the Mediterranean.
Further study may reveal painted labels or stamps identifying the producer, origin, or destination. Such evidence could help reconstruct Roman trade routes and commercial networks operating across the Ionian Sea.
Evidence of everyday life in the Roman world
Beyond its economic value, the shipwreck offers a window into daily life during the Imperial period. Products like garum connected fishermen, processing sites, sailors, merchants, and urban consumers across vast distances.
Researchers say the vessel reflects routine commercial activity rather than elite display or military movement. It shows how food production and distribution sustained cities and supported the empire’s economy.
Security and preservation of the site
From the moment the wreck was identified, authorities kept the discovery confidential to protect it from looting and to preserve its scientific value. Access to the area was restricted, and public disclosure was delayed while documentation work continued.
The site remains under constant surveillance by the Guardia di Finanza, working in coordination with the ABAP Superintendency, which oversees the protection of archaeological and historical assets.
Researchers say these measures were essential. Well-preserved shipwrecks carrying valuable cargo often attract illegal divers and traffickers. Continuous monitoring ensured the site remained intact for proper study.
Ongoing research and wider significance
Archaeologists continue to document the wreck using underwater mapping and high-resolution imaging. For now, the ship remains on the seabed, allowing specialists to study it in place while minimizing disturbance.
Experts say the discovery strengthens evidence that the Ionian Sea served as a key commercial artery in antiquity. As research continues, the shipwreck may reveal new details about Roman shipping practices, food production, and the economic systems that shaped everyday life across the Mediterranean.