Ancient Shipwreck Discovered Off Turkish Coast Dating Back Around 4500 Years Ago

Archaeologists in Turkey have made a groundbreaking discovery of an ancient shipwreck off the southern coast, potentially rewriting history as the oldest ever found. The team led by Hakan Öniz from Akdeniz University in Antalya believes the wreck dates back to around 4500 years ago.

The researchers first spotted the wreckage near Kekova Island during an underwater survey along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline in 2024. Excavations, completed earlier this month, revealed the cargo of the shipwreck, which included approximately 30 storage jars known as amphoras. These vessels have distinctive side handles and flat bases.

Experts have used the amphoras to date the shipwreck to between 2700 and 2400 BC. The discovery offers a unique glimpse into the early days of Mediterranean maritime trade. According to Öniz, this era marked the beginning of international commerce in the region.

The shape of the retrieved amphoras is similar to pottery from the Levant and Egypt, both dating back to the Early Bronze Age. However, minor variations among these jars suggest they came from different workshops or settlements.

The cargo on board suggests that this ancient ship was approximately 10 meters long, having departed from a harbor along the eastern Mediterranean coast.

The crew likely sailed along the coastline, picking up amphorae filled with olive oil or wine from various villages before setting sail for their intended destination.

Archaeologists have found evidence that the ship may have been headed to either the Minoan civilization on Crete or the city of Troy in northwestern Turkey when it sank.

Several stone anchors were discovered near the wreck site, scattered some distance away, which could indicate they were thrown overboard during a storm.

The wreckage lies about 30 meters underwater, situated in an area known for its strong currents and turbulent winds.

The discovery of an ancient shipwreck off the coast of Turkey has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community, with some experts claiming it to be the world's oldest known wreck.

Jon Henderson from the University of Edinburgh expressed his excitement about the find, describing it as "fascinating and potentially very important". However, he urged caution in making claims about its age, pointing out that dating by pottery comparisons can be unreliable due to similarities in forms and decorative features across different time periods.

Henderson noted that radiocarbon data would provide a more accurate way of determining the shipwreck's age, but unfortunately, no organic material has survived at the site. This lack of evidence means that experts must rely on other methods for dating the wreck, which can be less precise.

The discovery of Kekova is significant not only because of its potential age but also because it provides physical evidence of sea trade during a previously undocumented period in history.