Deep-sea discovery brings about 26 Roman amphorae into conservation

About 26 Roman amphorae unexpectedly recovered from 1,400 metres beneath the Mediterranean have reached the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera in stable condition, giving researchers an unusually large collection to conserve and study.

The pottery was brought up south of Formentera by the oceanographic vessel Miguel Oliver during MEDITS, an international marine research campaign assessing Mediterranean resources and ecosystems. Alongside the amphorae, the crew recovered 17 boxes of ceramic fragments. The group consists largely of Dressel 20 vessels, which Romans used to carry oil. Numerous stamps and markings on the pieces may help specialists investigate their origin and history.

The crew immediately alerted authorities and kept the fragile finds continuously wet with a hose. After officials established that the discovery lay in Spanish state waters and secured authorization from the national underwater heritage service, museum staff received the material in less than 24 hours.

Conservators have now begun desalinating and stabilizing each piece in water tanks before restoration and consolidation. Amphora finds are not unusual around the Balearic Islands, but officials consider this group especially significant because of its size, condition and origin at such exceptional depth. The museum will inventory the material, assess its preservation and work toward its permanent deposition.