Marine archaeologists exploring the submerged ruins of the ancient port city of Utica have identified a specialized industrial sector dedicated to the production of papyrus and organic textiles. Using underwater acoustic imaging, the team located a series of stone basins and fermentation vats that still contain traces of plant fibers and mineral mordants. This facility represents the first direct evidence of Carthaginian large-scale papyrus processing outside of the Egyptian influence, highlighting the economic independence of the Punic Empire.
The industrial wing was submerged due to seismic activity in the 4th century CE, which effectively sealed the artifacts under layers of silt. Along with the vats, divers recovered several bronze scraping tools and lead weights used to flatten the papyrus sheets. This discovery is crucial for understanding the Punic trade network, as it suggests that Carthage was a primary manufacturer of writing materials and high-end textiles for the Western Mediterranean market.