'Mind-blowing' 8,000-year-old relic found at bottom of ocean and experts say 'it's just the start'

A 'mind-blowing' discovery in southern Italy has left scientists both excited and puzzled.

Back in October, researchers located some mysterious objects near the island of Capri in the Bay of Naples, in southern Italy.

The objects were found near the White Grotto, a cavern filled with stalagmites - a place that's not as famous as its neighbour, the Blue Grotto, a popular tourist attraction thanks to its sky-blue waters.

The research team believes that the remains of a Neolithic shipwreck dating back between 8,000 and 5,000 years ago could be close.

Superintendency of the Metropolitan Area of Naples

Sandro Barucci, a researcher and author, said: 'The remains of a Neolithic hull in Mediterranean waters have never been found to date.

'There are cases of Neolithic boats found on the European mainland or in freshwater, lakes, and rivers. But the Mediterranean Sea has a pleasant temperature and salinity for the wood-eating mollusk, Teredo navalis.'

Barrucci explained that these submerged wood ships that sink in the Mediterranean are prey for these types of molluscs.

The Naples Police Department worked alongside marine archaeologists to recover the objects from the water.

They identified the material to be made of obsidian, a shiny, black volcanic glass that forms when lava cools quickly leaving limited crystal growth.

According to the authorities, the most important find on the seabed weighs nearly eight kilograms (17.6 pounds) and measures around 28 x 20 x 15 centimetres (11 x 8 x 6 inches).

Superintendency of the Metropolitan Area of Naples

It was noticed at a depth of 30 to 40 metres (98 to 132 feet), and despite its human-made carvings, the artefact remains a mystery to the scientists in what its actual purpose is.

'It is necessary to carry out an extensive instrumental survey of the seabed to verify the possible presence of the hull or other cargo material,' added Mariano Nuzzo, the superintendent of archaeology, fine arts, and landscape for the Naples metropolitan area.

If the boat had sunk quickly into the sand and remained protected at Capri, it would 'perhaps be possible to find some wooden parts, especially if it were a dugout canoe,' he continued.

'But it would truly be a very rare event, indeed unique.'

Now, the team is hopeful to find a Stone Age shipwreck in the water where the potential discoveries could mark a first for archaeologists.