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World's oldest shipwreck discovered off the coast of Kekova Island in Turkey
Overview
Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world's oldest shipwreck off the coast of Kekova Island in Turkey, dating back 4,400 to 4,700 years to the Early Bronze Age. Although the wooden structure did not survive, divers recovered more than 30 ceramic storage pots (amphorae) and three stone anchors from an underwater slope 30 metres deep. Some of the amphorae still contain a viscous residue, and researchers are analysing it to determine if the vessel was carrying goods such as olive oil, wine, or tree resins. The finds will be displayed in the new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya.
Key points
- The shipwreck is dated between 4,400 and 4,700 years old, placing it in the Early Bronze Age during the construction of the Great Pyramid.
- The vessel was approximately 10 metres long and functioned as a trade vessel carrying cargo across the Mediterranean Sea.
- While the ship's wood did not survive, archaeologists dated the wreck by analysing the distinctive shape of more than 30 recovered ceramic amphorae.
- Divers also recovered three large stone anchors and noted that some amphorae still contained a preserved internal residue.
- The vessel surpasses the previous oldest shipwreck record holder found off Dokos, Greece, which dates back approximately 4,200 years.
- Recovered artefacts will be exhibited in the upcoming Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya, Turkey.