An ancient bronze bust re-emerges from the sea of ​​Leuca

A bronze torso, probably belonging to a large statue, has emerged from the seabed off the coast of Santa Maria di Leuca. This is an exceptional discovery, which shines the spotlight on a stretch of sea rich in history, between the mouth of the port of Leuca and the marina of Novaglie, opposite the coast of Gagliano del Capo.

The discovery is the result of a long analysis work carried out by the Department of Cultural Heritage of the University of Salento, as part of the “Marea” project, dedicated to the archaeological mapping of the Apulian seabed.

The presence of finds in that stretch of sea was reported last June 19th thanks to a high-precision photogrammetric survey. In the following days, recovery operations were started, conducted by underwater archaeologists from UniSalento.

The technicians of the San Benedetto del Tronto Coast Guard Underwater Operations Unit also participated in the delicate recovery phases, while a patrol boat from the Gallipoli Port Authority transported the finds to the dock. The fragments were then transferred to the Nardò Ancient Sea Museum, where the desalination process began in the Superintendency's restoration laboratory.

The main piece recovered is a bronze torso measuring 105 by 65 centimeters. Other smaller fragments were recovered along with it, including one that could represent drapery. Future analyses will help determine its dating, composition, and possible linkage to other known statues. The area is not new to scholars: already in 1992, the diver Francesco Boaria had reported the presence of bronze finds. Between 1994 and 1995, the Superintendency began an initial recovery campaign, transferring the materials to the Archaeological Museum of Brindisi, where they were placed next to similar finds from Punta del Serrone.

"This fragment - explains Rita Auriemma, scientific director of the project - tells us about lost stories and submerged routes, and shows how crucial the collaboration between research, protection and territory is to bring out a heritage that the sea hides, but does not erase". "The discovery - adds the superintendent Francesca Riccio - represents an important piece in the historical reconstruction of a territory that continues to surprise us for the density and quality of its submerged deposits". Satisfaction also from the commander of the Gallipoli Coast Guard, Francesco Perrotti: "I want to underline the effectiveness of the work carried out, in particular by the underwater operators, who guarantee the safety of operations and the protection of the marine environment every day".