New Archaeological Discoveries in the Sea off Trapani

| Sat, 03/08/2014 - 02:00

A stele of probable early Christian origins was recovered in the waters off Torretta Granitola near Campobello di Mazara, in the province of Trapani. 

A human figure, albeit difficult to discern the details, is depicted on the stele: it is possible to see the head, presumably covered with a tall hat or a crown, the body covered by a large robe, the left hand that holds the body of another smaller figure, while the right hand is raised and holds a staff or sceptre.

According to experts, the stele could be part of a wider archaeological context, such as a chapel, now submerged by the sea.

A portion of a marble statue dating back to the second century AD representing Aphrodite Pudica was found in the waters off Capo Boeo, near Marsala, again in the province of Trapani. It is the upper part of a female torso.

The finds have been recovered thanks to two amateur divers who signalled their discoveries to the authorities.