Major Archaeological Discoveries Announced for 2026: Roman Shipwreck, Aqueduct, Frescoes

A series of significant archaeological discoveries have been announced in early 2026, spanning Italy, Spain, and Mexico. In Fano, Italy, the long-sought Basilica designed by Vitruvius was finally located under Piazza Andrea Costa. In the Ionian Sea, a Roman shipwreck from the 4th century AD carrying 200 amphorae of garum was found by the Guardia di Finanza; recovery and conservation operations require €780,000. In Sabina, a pre-Roman aqueduct serving the Villa dei Casoni in Montopoli Sabina was discovered, with LiDAR mapping planned. At the Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, new frescoes were uncovered at Villa Sora in Torre del Greco, featuring dark backgrounds with cinnabar red bands, herons, griffins, and a centaur. At Torre Annunziata, excavations at the Villa di Poppea (Oplontis) continue, with public visits starting February 12; new finds include a complete peahen figure, a theatrical mask, tree imprints, and four new rooms. In Spain, a sphinx from a funerary monument was found at the Roman city of Caracara (Driebes), restored and soon to be exhibited at the Museo de Guadalajara. In Mexico, an intact Zapotec royal tomb dating to 600 AD was discovered at Cerro de la Cantera, San Pablo Huitzo, featuring a stone owl and polychrome murals, hailed as the most important find in a decade.