| Giardini-Naxos, Sicily The town of
Giardini-Naxos has a strong maritime tradition, and has a
long history of seaborne activity stretching back to
prehistoric times. The ancient city, parts of which were
uncovered by recent excavations near the promontory of
Capo Schiso, was founded in 635BC by the Chalcideans, who
developed it into a successful commercial trading post.
Indeed, the city’s subsequent destruction by the
people of Syracuse in 403 BC was said to have been an act
of jealousy over its prominent commercial status. During
the Byzantine period, it was rebuilt along the coast and
heavily populated, and though it never recovered its
former status, the port of Taormina ensured it remained
an important maritime centre. Throughout the medieval
period, Giardini remained as an active interface between
Sicily, Italy, Greece and North Africa, until substantial
redevelopment in the 19th century meant that tourism and
recreation became its primary source of revenue.
There are two shipwrecks of international importance in
the bay. The first off Capo Taormina at 37°50’N
15°18’E in 21 to 28 metres of water is a Roman
Imperial period wreck site consisting of 37 columns and 2
blocks of green marble (Parker, 1980). The only pieces of
the original ship so far recovered are a copper bolt and
a sounding-lead but excavations have not yet taken place
at the site.
A
UARC diver investigates two marble columns from a
Roman Imperial period wreck off the coast of Capo
Taormina in eastern Sicily |
A
UARC diver examining Roman masonry in Giardini
Bay, Naxos. |
| The
second wreck is located in the middle of Giardini
Bay at 37°49’N 15°17’E in 24 metres
of water and is a 3rd Century AD wreck consisting
of 24 columns and 13 rectangular blocks covering
an area of 17 x 6m. The columns are of white
Cipollo marble from Carystos in Euboea, and are
veined with grey, suggesting an Aegean source.
Other finds that have been positively linked with
the site include a mortarium and the necks of two
Mauretanian amphorae. Some investigation has
taken place at this site recovering a bronze boss
with a ring, and a bronze hinge with nails of
copper which may represent fittings and
furnishings of the ship (Parker, 1980; Basille,
1988). No timber hull remains have yet been
located at the site. 
Diving the 3rd Century Marble
wreck in Giardini Bay, Naxos.
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