ROME (AP).- Archaeologists say they have found the upper side of an ancient ship near Rome.

The wooden ship was about 11 meters (36 feet) long, making it one of the largest ancient vessels excavated near Ostia Antica, a port city founded some 2,500 years ago and Rome's first colony.

Ostia archaeology official Anna Maria Moretti said Thursday the discovery is important above all because it indicates the coastline during ancient Roman days was some 3-4 kilometers (2-2.5 miles) farther inland than it is now.

The remains of the ship, missing its bow and stern, were found 4 meters (13 feet) underground during repairs of a bridge linking modern-day Ostia to Fiumicino, the town that hosts Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport.


Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.