Roman Dolium and Possible Wreck Found Off Elba Island
In May 2026, a monitoring initiative was launched by the Soprintendenza ABAP for Pisa and Livorno, in collaboration with the Nucleo Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale di Firenze and the Nucleo Carabinieri Subacquei di Genova, which uncovered two archaeological discoveries near Isola d'Elba. The first discovery is a sizable Roman dolium, used for food storage, associated with 'navi a dolia' merchant vessels from the 1st century BC to AD. The second finding appears to be a wreck measuring five meters in length and two meters in width, obscured by mucilage, featuring remnants of planking and bronze nails. The initiative's goals include artifact recovery, conservation evaluation, and documentation updates, with a follow-up underwater survey scheduled for autumn, involving the Soprintendenza Nazionale per il Patrimonio Culturale Subacqueo.
Key facts
- Monitoring campaign started in May 2026.
- Soprintendenza ABAP for Pisa and Livorno led the campaign.
- Nucleo Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale di Firenze and Nucleo Carabinieri Subacquei di Genova participated.
- A large Roman-era dolium was found.
- Dolium linked to 'navi a dolia' used between 1st century BC and 1st century AD.
- A presumed wreck about 5 meters long and 2 meters wide was found.
- Wreck covered by mucilage, with planking and bronze nails visible.
- Second campaign planned for autumn with exploratory tests on the wreck.
Entities
Institutions
- Soprintendenza ABAP per le province di Pisa e Livorno
- Nucleo Carabinieri Tutela Patrimonio Culturale di Firenze
- Nucleo Carabinieri Subacquei di Genova
- Soprintendenza Nazionale per il Patrimonio Culturale Subacqueo
Locations
- Isola d'Elba
- Italy
- Tyrrhenian Sea
- Pisa
- Livorno
- Florence
- Genoa