A Roman shipwreck, which surfaced due to a severe storm in 2019 near the beach of Ses Fontanelles, Mallorca, has revealed a well-preserved vessel dating back to the 4th century AD. The ship was about 12 meters long and carried 320 perfectly conserved amphorae, indicating it was used for transporting goods. Researchers determined that the ship sank just 65 meters off the coast, originally departing from Cartagena, and was chartered by two merchants, Alunnio and Ausonio.

After six years of archaeological research, experts have pieced together the story of this maritime find. The multidisciplinary study, titled "Epigrafía anfórica del pecio tardorromano de Ses Fontanelles (Mallorca)," illustrates the significance of the shipwreck not only for understanding trade routes of ancient times but also for the socio-economic conditions of the period. The discovery has provided valuable data about the origin of the goods and the number of people involved in packaging them, reflecting a complex trade network.

This shipwreck is an enriching addition to the historical tapestry of Roman maritime commerce. Its artifacts tell a story of ancient trade where wine, oils, and sauces were not merely goods, but pivotal elements of Roman culture, dietary practices, and economic interactions across the Mediterranean. The continued study of this site promises to deliver further insights into the commercial dynamics of late antiquity, enhancing our understanding of regional interactions in this crucial historical period.