Italy's sunken Roman city rises again from sea; visitors to explore via glass-bottomed boats, snorkelling
Located in the Bay of Cartaromana, the ruins lie just beneath the surface. Visitors can now explore the site via glass-bottomed boat rides or snorkelling excursions that reveal ancient quays, Roman artefacts, and stone structures preserved on the sea floor.
'It was believed that the Romans never built a city on Ischia,' archaeologist Dr Alessandra Benini told the BBC. 'It was the opposite.'
The eruption that likely destroyed Aenaria is estimated to have occurred around 180 AD, but unlike the well-documented destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD, Aenaria's story remained unwritten. No contemporary Roman records describe the event, and for centuries, the site was buried under volcanic sediment.
Initial clues emerged in the 1970s, when divers found fragments of pottery and lead ingots off Ischia's coast. However, early efforts led by Don Pietro Monti and archaeologist Giorgio Buchner failed to uncover the city. The trail went cold until 2011, when a group of local sailors and history enthusiasts resumed investigations, eventually unearthing the remains of a massive Roman quay buried under two metres of seabed.
Subsequent discoveries have included amphorae, mosaics, coins, the remains of seaside villas, and even a wooden Roman ship.
Long believed to be a Greek domain, Ischia was famed for its thermal springs and early Greek colonisation around 750 BC. Roman control followed in 322 BC, with the island renamed Aenaria, a name that appears in classical texts by Pliny the Elder and Strabo. But physical evidence of Roman settlement was scarce.
'The name was documented,' said local resident Giulio Lauro, as per BBC. 'But no one could find the place.'
It turned out the city had not disappeared. It had simply sunk. The rediscovery was driven by Lauro and a team of local tour operators, archaeologists, and volunteers who self-funded the ongoing excavation.
'We started from zero,' Lauro told the BBC. 'We were lucky to believe in it. And then to actually find it.'
Items uncovered suggest that Aenaria was not only a port but also a residential hub. Archaeologists have found mosaic tiles, oil lamps, wooden combs, fishing needles, decorated plaster, and even Roman baths.
Radiocarbon dating places the quay's construction between 75 BC and AD 30. In 2020, the discovery of a shipwreck revealed military hardware, including a bronze mooring post shaped like a swan's head and lead sling bullets, indicating Aenaria may have had a strategic role in Roman military operations, as per the BBC.
Trade evidence is equally strong. Amphorae found at the site originate from 12 production centres across the Mediterranean, including Campania and the Levant. Analysis of recovered lead traced its origin to Spain, painting a picture of a deeply interconnected Roman trade hub.
'It's likely there was also a small town nearby the port,' Benini said.
Visitors can now observe live digs during the summer months, view artefacts at a nearby exhibit, and watch a 3D video reconstruction of Aenaria, offering an immersive look at its streets, buildings, and coastline.
(With inputs from BBC)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
14 hours ago
- Mint
Rags to Riches from Rome to the China Seas
The hot Roman summer sun can ignite daydreams and, a few weeks ago, while visiting a friend at an art gallery on the Via Giulia, I walked by the nearly half-a-millennium old Palazzo Sacchetti and pondered the fate of the families who owned it, lost it, sold off parts of it and passed into history. My colleague Adrian Wooldridge has written columns about contemporary European and Italian dynasties and their effective stewardship of family businesses. But my thoughts were all about the romance of declines and falls — and what lessons there might be for today. The musings took me from Rome across 6,000 miles to the south China coast and a little beyond. I've never been to Zhangli village in Fujian province, just outside the city of Quanzhou, which the Venetian merchant Marco Polo described as one of the world's greatest ports in the 13th century. I'm not taking you that far back in time, just to the middle of the 19th and the construction of a set of 23 red brick mansions, arranged along five rows and spread across 16,300 square meters became lords of a commercial empire of their own, encompassing a sprawling bazaar in Manila as well as farming, forestry and construction interests. Also known as Chua Chengco, my great-great-grandfather was dubbed 'Mariano Velasco' by the colonial administrators who hoped the 'honor' would tie him — and his money — even more closely to the regime. Because there was a local Spaniard with the same name, he was referred to as Mariano Velasco el Chino. Still, it kind of worked: To this day, around the world, there are scores of Velascos of Chinese descent very proud of their Spanish apellido. I like to think of Spain as one of my 'old countries' — along with China and the Philippines. The money, however, has long dissipated. The Zhangli village property — built with repatriated wealth and exotic material from the family's plantations in the Philippines — needs both conservation and renovation. The provincial government would like to turn it an open-air museum. But that requires financing, and there really isn't a paterfamilias among the existing Velascos to take charge of the legacy. In fact, tracking what became of the Velasco wealth is a genealogical headache. In terms of business, there is a department store that can claim some descent from the old bazaar. The physical house that Velasco built in Manila may actually have been larger than the Zhangli complex, but it has vanished. With his two wives, Don Mariano had nine sons; and inherited assets diminished as they were divided among succeeding generations. Add in the depredations of the Spanish flu pandemic, the Great Depression, the Pacific war that left Manila a charred wreck… Sic transit gloria mundi. The Velascos are a chapter in the long sojourn of the Chinese in Southeast Asia, escaping poverty and chaos in the Middle Kingdom to win prosperity and influence in a new world. The historical experience involves questions of assimilation and integration as I've noted in a previous column. Some of the lessons are rags-to-riches sagas familiar to every culture. For example: A huge fortune will be hostage to many heirs, even if a clearly documented will exists. When the Indonesian industrialist Eka Tjipta Widjaja — born Huang Yicong in Quanzhou, China — passed away in 2019, some of his children sought control of the corporations he founded in addition to what had been left to them from his estimated $9.3 billion fortune. Sometimes, the feuds break out even before the dynastic founder is gone, as evidenced by the father-son battle in Singapore's Kwek family. It remains to be seen whether this age of 'high net worth family offices' — an industry that's growing dramatically among rich ethnic Chinese families — can discipline the human drive to bag the biggest inheritance. Most Chinese migrants learned that life in a new country was better with new names. Most didn't wait — as I assume Mariano Velasco did — until the authorities realized their worth and rewarded them with a culturally integrated moniker. They just took what they thought would help them with their prospects and careers, just as F. Scott Fitzgerald had James Gatz transform into Jay Gatsby in his famous novel about social climbing. They chose names that looked less foreign, that sounded more like the languages of their adopted lands. Hence, Huang became Widjaja in Indonesia. In the Philippines, the businessman Carlos Palanca — whose surname now graces the country's most prestigious literary award — was originally Chen Liulai . In the late 19th century, the Fujian-born migrant cadged the name of a Spanish diplomat who'd been briefly assigned to Manila a couple of decades before and wasn't around to contest the steal. Palanca's wealth was founded on a distillery that also had a distinctly Iberian name, La Tondeña . They also learned to avoid politics — there's a long history of xenophobic riots and massacre against foreign-born merchants who order locals around or who are perceived as a threat to the prevailing status quo. Indeed, the political dynamics of contemporary Malaysia are based on racial tensions among the native Malay and the descendants of Chinese and Tamil migrants. That didn't mean that rich Chinese families didn't support politicians. Often, they supported all the major parties simultaneously, spreading their bets to cover all eventualities. They preferred to be kingmakers rather than kings. And so, many ethnic Chinese clans look askance at the billionaire and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he and his clan are rocked back and forth by political controversy stirred up as they try to dominate Thailand. In Singapore, while the political legacy of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew is nowhere as turbulent , the family honor was still stained by an unseemly squabble among his heirs over a house he left them. That's spilled over into politics, with the ambitions of Lee Hsien Yang — who says he has won political asylum in the UK — now aimed at his older brother and former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. Aiyah, as they say in Singapore. In the Philippines, ethnic Chinese still shy away from personal involvement in politics. Being too closely tied — even as a financier — to politicians is risky. The plutocrat Lucio Tan was an influential player in the administration of Philippine President Joseph Estrada, but that didn't save the billionaire from scrutiny after Estrada was ousted in a civilian coup in January 2001. Still, many descendants of Chinese migrants in the Philippines do engage in politics. For the most part, that's because they're members of the Chinese mestizo class — which, from generation to generation and every intermarriage, is less and less Chinese. The most successful example is the sprawling Cojuangco family, a clan founded by an immigrant from Fujian who made his fortune in sugar. The family's most famous politicians were Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and her son Benigno Aquino III, both of whom held the office of president. I have politicians in my family now. I'm particularly proud of my first cousin Josefina 'Joy' Belmonte, who is in her third term as mayor of Quezon City, a constituency of nearly 3 million people. Our grandmother — our mothers' mother — was the Velasco. For the Chinese, mestisaje is a poignant survival mechanism: preserving one's genes but slowly forgetting the ways of one's ancestors. I hope to one day visit Zhangli village and see what's left of the estate of Mariano Velasco. I wonder if my thoughts will then turn to Rome and the the Palazzo Sacchetti. There are echoes. It was designed by its first owner, a man named Antonio Cordiani. He'd grown up poor in Florence and moved to the city of the popes to apprentice with his uncles. Eventually he took their surname — Sangallo, which is still what Romans call the street by the Tiber next to the palazzo. The house didn't stay in his family for long. The building still stands. But the people who lived in it and their riches have faded away. It's almost Chinese. More From Bloomberg Opinion: The name-changes did not prevent calumnies. There is one theory that Don Mariano was the basis for the greedy and manipulative Chinese merchant Quiroga in El Filibusterismo, a novel by Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. News reports of the anti-Chinese pogroms in California and the western US states as I noted in this column reinforced the anxieties of Chinese in Southeast Asia. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Howard Chua-Eoan is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering culture and business. He previously served as Bloomberg Opinion's international editor and is a former news director at Time magazine.
India.com
18 hours ago
- India.com
Tired Of City Chaos? These 5 Lakes Near Ahmedabad Are Your Weekend Lifesaver
The city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat represents both traditional heritage elements and modern market commerce while serving gourmet food to its residents. A peaceful natural reserve exists outside Ahmedabad City's energetic metropolitan area. The surrounding areas of Ahmedabad feature various lakes which serve as ideal locations for boating activities together with picnicking and weekend recreation. These natural places away from towns supply visitors with relaxation and access to natural exploration. The list below includes selected top lakes around Ahmedabad that provide boating as well as picnicking and relaxing in peaceful settings. 1. Kankaria Lake Distance from Ahmedabad: Approximately 9 km. The Kankaria Lake in Ahmedabad stands as a prominent municipal landmark which attracts all community members from families to couples along with tourists. The artificial lake constructed by Sultan Qutbuddin in 1451 AD covers 76 acres of land and contains an island garden at its heart. People can enjoy paddle boating or rowing boats along with speed boats that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) operates at the site. Visitors can find Kankaria Zoo as well as an amusement park alongside the toy train rides and numerous food stalls selling local treats at the lakefront. Businesses running from the shaded areas along the lake allow visitors to relax in welcoming picnic amenities. People from the local community and visiting tourists consider Kankaria Lake an essential place to see because of its exciting environment and properly cared-for amenities. 2. Vastrapur Lake Distance from Ahmedabad: About 8 km Ahmedabad residents who live in Vastrapur frequently enjoy activities at the recreational Vastrapur Lake. They renovated this artificial lake through recent years to establish it as an exemplary environmentally conscious water reservoir. Visitors can take paddle boats along the lake because the facility does not offer motorized boat services in its present configuration. Visitors can take pleasure in family outings at Vastrapur Lake due to its beautiful natural environment which includes walking tracks and gardens and playgrounds. One can experience joggers together with cyclists and people who enjoy leisure walks throughout every evening. People who enjoy picnicking will find clean conditions and sufficient seating spaces across the lake area. Science City provides an extra attraction for families who spend their time at Vastrapur Lake. 3. Thol Bird Sanctuary & Thol Lake Distance from Ahmedabad: Around 25 km Birdwatchers along with nature lovers can experience Thol Bird Sanctuary when traveling about 25 kilometers from Ahmedabad city. Thol Bird Sanctuary presents itself as a protected area that occupies a total area of 6 square kilometers and includes migratory bird-spawning Thol Lake. Wildlife photographers discover paradise when numerous observing species including flamingos and pelicans join cranes and kingfishers in visiting the location. Visitors can experience Thol Lake by taking advantage of the boating facilities that grant them access to the calm waters. A peaceful setting at this location proves ideal for picnics and provides peaceful seclusion to those who want to escape urban crowds. Basic facilities such as parking areas together with restrooms support day travelers who visit the site. Bringing your anti-shock optics and imaging tools will help you capture the exquisite nature of this bird sanctuary. 4. Nal Lake Distance from Ahmedabad: approximately 64 km Nalsarovar Lake, situated 64 kilometers from Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India, is a significant shallow wetland and bird sanctuary. This nationally important wetland and Important Bird Area (IBA) supports a diverse ecosystem, including over 250 bird species, 70 flowering plants, and a variety of aquatic life, making it a crucial habitat for migratory birds. A 15th-century check dam on the Sabarmati River created the lake, originally intended for irrigation and drinking water. Its ecological significance, particularly as a bird habitat, was later recognized by local residents. 5. Harni Lake Distance from Ahmedabad: Approximately 10 km Harni Lake delivers an enchanting setting for visitors seeking offbeat travel destinations since it stands close to Harni village. The lake establishes its rural appeal around its surroundings of agricultural fields and little hills. People enjoy multiple recreational activities including water sports and relaxation time with family or friends at this location. The lack of extensive infrastructure at Harni Lake makes it an appealing spot for adventurer and nature lover types. Families should carry their own meals and drinks when planning nature-oriented picnics at pristine locations. Basic facilities could be unavailable thus planning your trips effectively. Tips for Visiting These Lakes: Visitors should plan to arrive at Harni Lake either during the early hours or late in the afternoon to discover pleasant weather without excessive crowds. You need to carry items including sunscreen along with hats and sunglasses with comfortable shoes combined with reusable water bottles and trash bags which ensure cleanliness at the site. Before entering any boating activity or when children spend time near aquatic areas people should follow safety instructions and keep a close eye on their children. Maintain respect for Nature by following designated rules and avoiding the dumping of litter to preserve these destinations for upcoming generations. Wrapping Up The close location of these lakes to Ahmedabad allows city inhabitants and visitors an effortless access to outdoor experiences that do not require long-distance commute. Future visitors can discover individual experiences at these different lakes because boating and birdwatching along with picnic basket activities exist as separate opportunities. Two opposite energy types exist between Kankaria Lake and Thol Bird Sanctuary providing tourist attractions for different visitor interests. Visit these local natural wonders which exist near Ahmedabad after you gather your friends and family and essential items.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Mid-air brawl forces Cancun-London flight to make emergency landing in US
A TUI Airways flight from Cancun to London was forced to make an emergency landing in the United States earlier this week after a mid-air brawl broke out between two passengers. Their fellow passengers alleged that the brawling flyers, reportedly a couple, were 'smoking in the toilet'.Flight BY49, which was headed to London's Gatwick Airport, diverted to Bangor International Airport in Maine around 9.30 pm local time on Tuesday, according to the New York Post. The incident left the aircraft passengers stranded for over 17 BBC reported that the altercation occurred between two passengers. Audio recordings accessed by the BBC captured the pilot informing air traffic control: 'Cockpit is secure and there are two passengers fighting, and the crew has pretty much got them under control.' A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told the BBC that officers removed both individuals from the aircraft upon arrival. 'Although no criminal charges were filed, CBP processed the two subjects for expedited removal,' the spokesperson clarified that the situation involved a foreign-to-foreign flight that diverted due to an in-flight altercation between two SHARES ORDEALWhile passengers were initially informed that the flight would resume once paperwork was completed, the passengers were forced to wait longer than prepared. British passenger Terry Lawrance, 66, told Southwest News Service about the moments when the chaos took place which left all the passengers on board stranded for over 17 hours."Everybody was fed three hours later, around the border with Canada and he came on to let us know that the plane was being diverted to Bangor, Maine," recounted about the couple who disrupted the flight, Lawrence said,'They were obviously drunk, and he basically assaulted his partner."Lawrence said that travellers were left on board for another five hours before being moved to what he described as a cramped, military-style lounge. "It was like a warzone in a lounge, rows and rows of beds. All our luggage was still on the plane while we waited."Due to the delay, the original flight crew surpassed their legal working hours, rendering them unable to continue. A replacement crew had to be flown in from the UK, extending the passengers' wait until 3 pm the next day—17 and a half hours after the emergency passengers eventually arrived safely in London, but the ordeal sparked widespread MEDIA REACTSOn social media, users called for strict penalties against the couple responsible, with some suggesting they should be held financially liable for the costs incurred by the airline and inconvenienced passengers.'Did the smokers get arrested? Will they pay for the fuel and expenses?' one user asked. Another suggested the TSA should ban cigarettes questioned the airline's response, with one commenter writing, 'They should've arrested them at the gate—not grounded the entire plane.'- Ends
