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words by Carol King Archaeologists have located anchors off the Sicilian island of Pantelleria dating to the Punic Wars in the third century BC. Thirty ancient lead anchors were found clustered together in the sea between Cala Tramontana and Cala Levante, along with four amphorae and four lead ingots. The items were discovered underwater at depths ranging between 160 and 270 feet. Experts believe the anchors are more than 2,000 years old. Archaeologists suggest they are evidence of the Ancient Romans’ and Carthaginians’ struggle to gain supremacy over the Mediterranean Sea during the First Punic War that took place from 264 BC to 241 BC. Pantelleria’s strategic location between Sicily and Africa meant the navies from the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian (Punic) Empire fought to have control over it. An archaeologist from the University of Sassari, Leonardo Abelli, told ‘Discovery News’: “They were deliberately abandoned. The Carthaginian ships were hiding from the Romans and could not waste time trying to retrieve heavy anchors at such depths.” Abelli continued: “The Carthaginian ships that were stationing near Pantelleria had no other choice than hiding near the northern coast and trying to escape. To do so, they cut the anchors free and left them in the sea. They also abandoned part of their cargo to lighten the ships and gain speed.” The underwater exploration project is being carried out by the Pantelleria Research Consortium with the Sicilian Sea Superintendency, the University of Sassari and Messina Coast Guard. The project is being funded by Arcus Spa.