Italy

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. 

Discovery near Pozzuoli

The temple lies near Pozzuoli, in the volcanic Campi Flegrei region, about 16km (10 miles) east of Naples. Known in Roman times as Puteoli, the city was a bustling harbor where ships brought trade goods like grain from across the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, volcanic activity altered the coastline, submerging the ancient port district. By the 18th century, artefacts retrieved from the area hinted at a buried temple, though its precise location remained unknown.

The mosaics, featuring intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours, are remarkably well-preserved. The find is considered part of a larger Roman villa or public building that was lost to the sea between the third and fifth centuries as underground magma chambers caused the surrounding terrain to fall.

The discovery was made near Capri’s famous Blue Grotto, a site historically used as a private bath by Roman emperors. Divers from the Naples Police Headquarters’ underwater unit located the wreck, which contained obsidian core material at a depth of around 40m. One of the cores, showing clear traces of chiselling and carving, measures approximately 28 x 20 x 15 cm and weighs almost 8kg.

In an unprecedented archaeological feat, the shipwreck known as "Marausa 2," which sank off Marausa, Sicily, in the late 3rd century, has been meticulously recovered from the seabed in its entirety. This marks the first instance where a Roman ship has been raised in its complete form, as opposed to being retrieved piece by piece.