Roman rescue
Relic discovered off the coast
A 1,800-year-old Roman amphora was recovered from the bottom of Santa Pola bay last Thursday, where it was discovered 12 metres under the surface in February.
The mission was carried out by experts from the town hall’s museum of the sea and local police, assisted by the maritime rescue service and supervised by an underwater archaeologist, a council spokeswoman explained.
At one point rough seas had forced them to suspend their work, she noted.
The police informed the museum about the discovery on February 15, and after analysis of the underwater photos, the museum concluded the piece could be of archaeological value.
The museum then coordinated with the Valencia underwater archaeology centre, which is part of the regional culture department and authorised the recovery operation.
Archaeologist Alejandro Pérez explained: “This type of amphora (Beltrán IIB) was produced in the area of Cádiz and the Mediterranean coast of the Roman province of Baetica for conservation and transportation by sea of saltcured fish and a sauce, also made from fish, called garum, which was very valuable in the Roman era.
“Production of these amphorae has been documented since the age of Augustus (early first century AD), but became generalised in the Flavian era up to the period of Antonino (last third of the first century and throughout the second), which is the time this amphora comes from… given its formal characteristics, which distinguish it from the first prototypes.”
Museum director María José Cerdá thanked the regional culture department and everyone who had participated in the successful operation.
Municipal councillor for culture, Trini Ortiz expressed
her satisfaction and gratitude to all the personnel of the museum, maritime rescue and Santa Pola local police, ‘who collaborated and coordinated to perfection in the recovery of the amphora’.
“We have recovered and will showcase this valuable heritage for all residents and visitors, who will be able to enjoy everything that the sea offers us in our museum,” she added.
Once in the port, the piece was taken to the museum, where a desalination process will begin so that afterwards it can be exhibited.