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The Underwater Site
During the 2006 research season it was possible to take measurements of the blocks
left in situ. Their dimensions and tonnage are given in Table 6. Block 10, however, is
actually larger than 1.30 m wide and 0.30 m thick; as the survey permit did not allow for
excavation, it was impossible to dig around the partially-covered block to record its full
dimensions.
Table 6. Dimensions and tonnage of the Punta Scifo A’s marble items still on the seafloor.
Measurements taken in situ, using PhotoModeler.
Artifact Length
(m)
Width/Diam.
(m)
Height
(m)
Tons
BLC 10 1.65 >1.30 >0.30 2.90 (est.) 105
BLC 11 2.28 2.45 0.62 8.87
BLC 12 2.30 2.20 0.49 6.35
BLC 13 4.65 1.43 0.62 10.56
COL 7 4.30 0.58 2.91
TOTAL ca. 31.59
According to these calculations, the four blocks and the single column shaft still under
water weigh ca. 31.59 metric tons. Considering that in 1915 Engineer Forcellini estimated
to have raised ca. 150 tons of marble from the seafloor, 106 and that in 1983 Aquarius raised
105 Comparing BLC 10 SF with the other blocks reported in Table 11, p.108, it is possible to estimate that its
total weight should be at least 75 % more, or ca. 2.90 tons. No block from Punta Scifo A weighs, indeed, less
that 2.87 tons (BLC 4).
106 For Eng. Forcellini’s marble tonnage estimate see Orsi 1921, 496 along with the original record dated May
15, 1915 in Appendix 2.
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