Most friends I know from the east coast have some roman vase or something in their house (and yes, it's illegal if they have found those in most recent times).
Essentially as scuba diving became popular 50/60 years ago locals started finding lots of stuff in the sea and many did not report those to the Ministry of Culture.
Also, another fun fact.
One of the most common scams I've seen in Rome area where I live by farmers is to buy roman artifacts on the black market (few coins or something else will do). Then they report the finding to the ministry, which then pays them for years to not work the field and they bring entire teams to search for more artifacts.
It's extremely sad, but there's like no way to prove it or report it.
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Sardinia is a trove of Roman artifacts.
Most friends I know from the east coast have some roman vase or something in their house (and yes, it's illegal if they have found those in most recent times).
Essentially as scuba diving became popular 50/60 years ago locals started finding lots of stuff in the sea and many did not report those to the Ministry of Culture.
Also, another fun fact.
One of the most common scams I've seen in Rome area where I live by farmers is to buy roman artifacts on the black market (few coins or something else will do). Then they report the finding to the ministry, which then pays them for years to not work the field and they bring entire teams to search for more artifacts.
It's extremely sad, but there's like no way to prove it or report it.