Exceptionally Preserved Roman Shipwreck Excavated In Croatia

Aerial image of the wreck, and images of marine archaeologists at the wreck.

October

/ 2025

Getting your audio player ready...

After four and a half years of meticulous underwater excavation, maritime archaeologists have completed the documentation of one of the most remarkably preserved Roman shipwrecks ever discovered in the Adriatic Sea. The 2,000-year-old vessel, measuring 12.5 meters (41 ft) in length, will now be reburied in the protective sand that safeguarded its timbers for two millennia.

The discovery near Sukošan, Croatia, has provided unprecedented insights into Roman maritime construction techniques and trade networks. What makes this find extraordinary is the preservation of the ship's upper works - elements rarely found intact in ancient shipwrecks - offering archaeologists a complete picture of Roman naval architecture from the 1st-2nd century AD.

Completely exposed timber structure of the Roman shipwreck showing exceptional preservation. (M. Kaleb/ICUA)

A Discovery Born from Bronze Coins

The journey to this remarkable find began in 2021 when archaeologists from the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology (ICUA) in Zadar were investigating the ancient Roman harbor of Barbir. The team initially discovered 30 Roman bronze coins scattered across the seabed, which led them to explore the area more thoroughly.

What started as a routine survey of Roman harbor remains quickly transformed into something far more significant. The archaeologists spotted a piece of timber with an iron nail protruding from the sandy bottom at just 2 meters depth. This seemingly modest find would prove to be the first glimpse of an intact Roman merchant vessel that had lain undisturbed for nearly two thousand years.

The ship's shallow burial in protective sand created ideal preservation conditions, shielding the wooden hull from the destructive effects of marine organisms and oxygen that typically destroy ancient timber. This natural preservation allowed the vessel to remain structurally complete in ways that few ancient shipwrecks achieve.

Archaeologist documenting the Roman shipwreck, off the coast of Sukošan, Croatia (M. Kaleb/ICUA)

Rare Insights into Roman Maritime Technology

The excavation revealed construction techniques that enabled the vessel to carry heavy loads across medium to long distances throughout the Roman Empire's extensive trade networks. According to Heritage Daily, Anton Divić from Croatian underwater archaeology company NavArchos explained that this represents: "a very precise and stable type of ship construction, capable of carrying heavy loads and sailing medium to long distances."

The ship's cargo provides fascinating glimpses into Roman daily life and trade. Hundreds of olive pits discovered within the hull suggest the vessel served as a trading ship carrying agricultural products across the Adriatic. Excavations also uncovered remains of grapes, peaches, and walnut shells, indicating the diversity of goods that flowed through Roman commercial networks.

A coin from the reign of Emperor Trajan, along with amphoras likely used by the crew, helped archaeologists date the wreck to the 1st-2nd century AD. This period marked the height of Roman maritime commerce, when merchant vessels regularly crossed the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas carrying everything from luxury goods to everyday necessities.

Underwater archaeologists carefully documenting the ship's structural details. (A. Divic/ICUA)

International Collaboration and Advanced Documentation

The final 2025 research season brought together specialists from multiple institutions, demonstrating the collaborative nature of modern underwater archaeology. The international team included experts from the Polish University of Toruń, the Max Planck Institute, Aix-Marseille University, Ipso Facto timber analysis company, and NavArchos survey company.

Using cutting-edge photogrammetric techniques, the team created detailed 3D digital models of the entire vessel. These precise digital records will ensure that future researchers can study the ship's construction methods even after it returns to its sandy grave. The team plans to create a 1:10 scale model for display at the Zadar Museum of Underwater Archaeology, allowing the public to appreciate this remarkable discovery.

Despite earlier considerations to raise the wreck for museum display, the decision was made to rebury the vessel in its original location. The cost of raising and conserving such a large wooden structure would be prohibitive, and the ship's current environment provides the best long-term preservation. Before reburial, the wreck will be covered with protective geotextile membrane to shield it from potential damage while maintaining the stable conditions that preserved it for two millennia.

Legacy of Roman Maritime Mastery

This exceptional discovery adds to Croatia's growing reputation as a treasure trove of Roman shipwrecks, with several other significant finds along the Dalmatian coast in recent years. The Sukošan wreck stands out not only for its exceptional preservation but for providing complete structural information about Roman merchant vessels that is rarely available to archaeologists.

The project, funded by Croatia's Ministry of Culture & Media, represents the kind of international scientific collaboration that modern underwater archaeology requires. As these fragile underwater heritage sites face increasing threats from development, pollution, and climate change, such comprehensive documentation becomes ever more crucial for preserving our understanding of ancient maritime cultures.

The story of this Roman ship - from its discovery through coins scattered on the seabed to its final documentation and reburial - exemplifies both the challenges and rewards of underwater archaeology. While the vessel returns to the sand that protected it, the knowledge gained from its excavation will continue to illuminate our understanding of Roman maritime technology and trade for generations to come.

Top image: Aerial view of the completely excavated Roman vessel showing its impressive 12.5-meter length. Source: R. Shultz/ICUA

By Gary Manners