Marine archaeologists using advanced underwater LiDAR have identified the ruins of a submerged 2nd-century Roman temple off the coast of Lipari Island. Known locally in historical texts as the 'Temple of the Sea-Gate,' the site features massive basalt columns and a large, intact mosaic floor depicting Neptune’s triumphal court and several previously unrecorded mythical sea creatures.
The temple is believed to have been a sacred stop for Roman naval officers seeking protection before navigating the treacherous Aeolian currents. Preliminary dives have recovered bronze anchors encrusted with coral and ceramic amphorae that were once filled with ritual oils, suggesting the temple remained active until the late 4th century CE when seismic activity caused the coastline to recede.