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Submerged 1st-Century 'Roman Trade Depot' Discovered off the Coast of Libya Using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

📅 April 5, 2026 📰 The North African Antiquity Post
Submerged 1st-Century 'Roman Trade Depot' Discovered off the Coast of Libya Using Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Marine archaeologists utilizing advanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have located the ruins of a massive 1st-century Roman maritime depot submerged off the Libyan coast. The site includes well-preserved stone piers, warehouses, and dozens of amphorae used for transporting olive oil and wine.

The discovery suggests that this port was a vital node in the trans-Mediterranean trade network, connecting North African agricultural production with the markets of Imperial Rome. The use of high-resolution sonar has allowed for a complete 3D reconstruction of the facility without disturbing the seabed.

Original source: The North African Antiquity Post