Intact Ancient Roman Wine Amphora - Recovered From The Mediterranean Sea, Off The Coast Of Dènia, Southern Spain - c. 150BC - 50AD

Recovered from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Dénia in Southern Spain, this remarkably intact Roman amphora was once used primarily for the transport of wine, one of the most important commodities traded throughout the Roman world. Vessels such as this formed the backbone of Roman commerce, travelling aboard merchant ships that crossed the Mediterranean between Europe, North Africa, and the Near East, connecting the vast Empire. 

The specimen bears the unmistakable evidence of prolonged submersion beneath the sea, where centuries of mineralisation, marine erosion, and natural encrustation have transformed its surface. The exterior displays extraordinary marine patination throughout, with surviving traces of salt, sand, and calcareous deposits preserved across the ceramic body, along with areas of erosion and coral-like encrustation.  

This amphora is morphologically attributable to the ‘Dressel 1C’ horizon of Italic wine amphorae, based on its overall proportions, rim profile, handle configuration, and pointed spike base. Comparative analysis also reveals similarities to ‘Pascual 1’ type Hispanic wine amphorae. While the vessel shares many of the characteristic features associated with Dressel 1C forms, its overall dimensions (approximately 76cm in height) are smaller than the typical published examples, which often exceed 100 cm. The vessel is therefore best understood within the broader Dressel 1C morphological tradition of Roman wine amphorae, dating to approximately c. mid-2nd century BC to mid-1st century AD.

The custom metal display stand is included. 

This specimen is equally suited to a private collection, interior displays, galleries and museums. 

Specimen Details:

Specimen: Intact Roman Amphora Vessel

Age/Era: Late Roman Republic to Early Roman Empire - c. 150 BC - 50 AD 

Civilisation: Roman Republic / Early Roman Empire

Origin and Provenance:  Recovered off the coast of Dénia, Southern Spain by fishermen in the 1960s. Formerly held within an English private collection until this year (2026).

Material: Terracotta / Ceramic

Function: Maritime transport and storage vessel primarily for wine

Condition: Intact example with extensive original marine encrustation and sea-weathered surfaces

Surface Preservation: Visible mineral deposits, salt residue, sand accretions, marine erosion, and coral-like patination throughout

Display: Presented on a custom-made display stand

Dimensions: Approx. 760mm tall (vessel) / Approx. 830mm overall height on stand

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