Roman boat that sank in Mediterranean 1,700 years ago gives up its treasures

Finds from fourth-century wreck perfectly preserved' just 2m below the surface off one of Mallorca's busiest beaches

One squally day or stormy night about 1,700 years ago, a boat carrying hundreds of amphorae of wine, olives, oil and garum - the fermented fish sauce that so delighted the ancient palate - came to grief during a stopover in Mallorca.

The merchant vessel, probably at anchor in the Bay of Palma while en route from south-west Spain to Italy, was quickly swallowed by the waves and buried in the sands of the shallow seabed.