Dating to the 5th century B.C.E., Gela II measures approximately 50 feet long and 16 feet wide, which enabled it to carry large amounts of cargo, including the mythic metal orichalcum that's been linked to Atlantis.
Soprintendenza del Mare/FacebookThe recovery crew hoists timber from the Gela II shipwreck on board.
In 1988, two scuba divers off the coast of Bulala, Sicily discovered the wreck of an ancient Greek ship from the 5th century B.C.E., later named “Gela II.” The ship was initially explored in 1995, and a series of salvage missions then recovered everything from Corinthian helmets to ingots of orichalcum, a rare metal alloy linked to the mythical city of Atlantis.
And now, the ship itself is being pulled from the depths of the Mediterranean. The operation involves divers dismantling and recovering the ship’s wooden remains. The recovered timber will undergo restoration before being displayed at the Archaeological Park of Gela.
This recovery follows the earlier excavation of another ancient Greek shipwreck, “Gela I,” which went on display last year. The team hopes these discoveries will increase interest in Sicily’s underwater heritage, further underlining the historical significance of the area.
Scuba Divers Happen Upon The Wreck Of Gela II Near Sicily
TG TenThe Corinthian helmets and ingots recovered from the wreck of Gela II.
In 1988, two scuba divers exploring the waters off the coast of Bulala, close to the port of Gela in Sicily, came across the wreck of an ancient Greek ship.
Dating to the 5th century B.C.E., the ship measures approximately 50 feet long and 16 feet wide, which once enabled it to carry large amounts of cargo between Mediterranean ports.
Seven years after the ship’s initial discovery, the first systematic investigation was carried out on the wreck. Later expeditions then recovered several Corinthian helmets and pieces of orichalcum, a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc. All of these items are currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Gela.
Legend holds that orichalcum was a substance from the mythical city of Atlantis. According to Hesiod, a Greek poet from the 7th century B.C.E., orichalcum once covered Atlantis’ most important structures.
Sebastiano Tusa/Soprintendenza del Mare-Regione SiciliaOrichalcum ingots extracted from Gela II.
The discovery of these artifacts encouraged multiple underwater archaeology groups and the Italian government to execute a more thorough excavation of the shipwreck. Just this year, researchers have finally raised Gela II from its watery grave, according to a statement from Soprintendenza del Mare.
Gela II Finally Rises From The Depths Of The Mediterranean
Soprintendenza del Mare/FacebookA diver inspects the wood of the ancient Greek ship Gela II.
With support from Soprintendenza del Mare of the Sicilian Region, companies Atlantis of Monreale and Cosiam of Gela set off to Bulala to extract Gela II.
In July, dive crews began the first phase of the operation, dismantling and raising the wood from the wreck. This wood will eventually be transferred to the Superintendent for Cultural Property of Caltanissetta for restoration, after which it will go on display at the Archaeological Park of Gela.
Soprintendenza del Mare/FacebookA diver works to extract pieces of the wreckage of Gela II.
Previously, dive crews recovered a similar vessel named Gela I nearby. This discovery was exhibited at a museum in Bosco Littorio last year.
And with this most recent discovery, the excavation team hopes that such findings will increase interest in the region’s rich archaeological heritage.
After reading about this Greek shipwreck, read up on whether or not Atlantis is real and where the Lost City of Atlantis might be located.
