Ship sank nearly 2,000 years ago, wine is still intact

Russia Today (Russia) on October 3 called the treasure discovered at the bottom of the Mediterranean a real "party" for archaeologists.

The Balearic Institute for Maritime Archaeology (IBEAM) posted a video showing the wreck and its artifacts, as well as the efforts of divers to recover them from the deep sea. "It is one of the best preserved Roman-era wrecks in the entire Mediterranean region," said the Department of Culture of Mallorca (Spain).

This small cargo ship appears to have sunk near the island of Mallorca around the 3rd century AD while sailing from the Iberian Peninsula (southwestern Europe) – today part of Spain – to Rome.

Scientists who discovered the ship believe it ran aground and was taking on water very quickly. If it had been sunk by a storm, debris and cargo would have been thrown in all directions.

Shipwreck and many intact vases found at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea - Video: IBEAM

There are 93 earthenware jars still completely sealed inside the hull. These jars have two handles and narrow necks, used by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

According to Reuters, the jars were filled with wine, olive oil and garum - a sauce made from tomatoes and fermented fish intestines popular during the Roman Empire.

These specialties were produced in Spain in large quantities and shipped to the capital Rome and other parts of the Roman Empire.

However, some studies suggest that this sauce may have been responsible for ancient Romans becoming infected with parasitic fish tapeworms.

Scientists are currently cataloging and studying the jars they have found. However, they may not be able to taste the substances stored inside them.

Tuong Minh