A Stunning Discovery Off the Dalmatian Coast
Archaeologists in Croatia have just revealed an extraordinary find — a 2,000-year-old Roman shipwreck uncovered in Barbir Bay near Sukošan. Archaeologists fully exposed the vessel, dating back to the 1st–2nd century AD, after more than four years of careful excavation.
Entire Hull Intact After Two Millennia
The ship measures around 12–12.5 meters long, making it one of the best-preserved Roman wrecks ever discovered in the Adriatic. The survival of its upper works — a feature rarely seen in ancient wrecks — makes this discovery groundbreaking.
Mladen Pešić, director of the International Centre for Underwater Archaeology in Zadar, confirmed:
“After four and a half years of research, this final season has allowed us to uncover the entire ship.”
Evidence of Roman Trade
Inside the vessel, archaeologists found hundreds of olive pits, along with traces of grapes, peaches, and walnuts in the surrounding harbor — clear signs of its role in transporting agricultural goods across the Adriatic. Experts say the sturdy build indicates it was capable of medium- to long-distance trade.
High-Tech Documentation and Preservation
Researchers are creating a 3D digital model of the ship using photogrammetry to record every detail. After completing the documentation, they will carefully rebury the vessel under protective layers of geotextile and sand — the same environment that preserved it for two millennia.
International Recognition
The project has already drawn worldwide attention, with the wreck featured in National Geographic’s Lost Treasures of Rome and PBS’ Changing Seas. A 1:10 scale model of the ship is also being prepared for public display in Zadar.
A Major Moment in Underwater Archaeology
With contributions from experts across Croatia, Poland, France, and Germany, this discovery is not just a local milestone but a global archaeological breakthrough. The Sukošan shipwreck is rewriting what we know about Roman trade, shipbuilding, and life along the Adriatic coast.
