Underwater explorers off the coast of Marseille have discovered a remarkably intact Roman merchant vessel carrying a specialized cargo of luxury cosmetics. The wreck, located at a depth of 60 meters, contains hundreds of iridescent glass vials still sealed with their original lead caps and resin.
Initial analysis suggests the cargo originated from the Levant and was destined for the elite markets of Roman Gaul. Because the vials were buried in the oxygen-free silt, archaeologists believe they may be able to extract and analyze the chemical signatures of 2,000-year-old scents, offering a unique sensory window into the ancient world.