The 5th-century vessel, Gela II, discovered near Gela, Sicily, is set for recovery, offering insights into ancient maritime trade and the enigmatic metal orichalcum.
Recovery operations on the ancient Greek shipwreck Gela II, dating back to the 5th century BC, have officially commenced near the port of Gela, Sicily.
In a significant archaeological endeavour, the 5th-century Greek shipwreck known as Gela II is slated for recovery from the seabed near the port of Gela, Sicily. Identified in 1990, this ancient vessel has intrigued researchers due to its cargo, including Corinthian helmets and ingots of orichalcum—a metal historically considered second to gold in value.
The recovery operation is projected to span approximately 270 days at an estimated cost of £420,000. Once brought to the surface, Gela II will undergo meticulous restoration at the Bosco Littorio Museum, enhancing both cultural heritage and tourism in the region.
Rare metal
Orichalcum, whose name derives from the Greek word "oreikhalkos" meaning "mountain copper," is a golden-yellow alloy that classical writers linked to the legendary continent of Atlantis. In Plato's dialogues, orichalcum was described as a metal of great worth, second only to gold.
The Gela II shipwreck, measuring approximately 15m in length and 5m in width, was submerged at a depth of 6m. Its recovery follows the earlier excavation of Gela I from the same area, collectively providing invaluable insights into ancient Mediterranean trade routes and shipbuilding techniques.
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Regional Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, emphasised the significance of this operation for the city of Gela and its surroundings. The artefacts recovered from Gela II are expected to join the permanent collection of the Archaeological Museum of Gela, further cementing the city's status as a hub for cultural tourism.
Fact file
Orichalcum, derived from the Greek words 'oros' (mountain) and 'chalkos' (copper), translates to "mountain copper." Mentioned in ancient texts, notably Plato's "Critias," it was esteemed as second only to gold in value and was abundant in the mythical Atlantis. The exact composition of orichalcum remains a subject of debate; some ancient sources suggest it was a noble metal like platinum, while others propose it was an alloy similar to brass, composed primarily of copper and zinc. Notably, ingots resembling orichalcum have been recovered from ancient shipwrecks near Gela, Sicily, containing approximately 75–80% copper and 15–20% zinc.
