Two large vases from the Roman era re-emerge from the Gulf of Gaeta. Here is what they were used for

A new archaeological discovery in the waters of the Gulf of Gaeta enriches the city’s historical heritage. On Wednesday afternoon the fishing boat Attila II brought to the surface two Roman-era dolia, large terracotta containers used to preserve food supplies. This is an event that recalls a similar episode in 2017, when the same vessel had recovered from its nets two similar artefacts, dated between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and intended for the transport of grain, wine and oil. According to experts, this time too the fishing boat’s nets may have intercepted the remains of an ancient merchant ship, one of those vessels that sailed the Mediterranean laden with goods, following routes already traced by the Phoenicians.

The recovery of the amphorae

The recovery operations were followed step by step by the Coast Guard and the Municipality of Gaeta. Also present was Mayor Cristian Leccese, who stayed until the completion of the securing of the finds, temporarily placed in the courtyard of the fish market. «I felt admiration and emotion in front of these artefacts – declared the Mayor – which confirm the richness of our sea and the vitality of the trade that animated the gulf in ancient times».

The recovery was made possible thanks to extensive collaboration: from the Archaeological Superintendency to port operators, from the Local Police to Civil Protection, with the technical support of both military and civilian naval units. Many citizens gathered at the Peschiera pier or followed the phases of the transfer ashore via live streaming.

What is a dolium

It is one of the largest terracotta containers used in ancient Rome. Up to 1.5 metres high, it could hold 1,000–2,000 litres of wine, oil or foodstuffs. Despite their capacity, dolia never became widespread in maritime transport as they were too bulky for shipping and less practical compared to amphorae, which could be stowed on several levels in large ships.

Where the finds will go

The Superintendency will now assess the destination of the two new artefacts. The Mayor has already expressed his wish that, like the previous dolia from 2017 displayed at the Museo del Mare, these too may become part of the community’s heritage. A wish that also carries a symbolic value: the first discovery had been made by Captain Giacomo Spinosa, who recently passed away, while this new discovery bears the mark of his son Gianluca, now at the helm of the Attila II.