Archaeologists Discover World's Oldest Known Shipwreck Off Turkish Coast

ANKARA, Oct 14 (OPA) — Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest known shipwreck off the coast of Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey. Dating back approximately 4,700 years, the vessel sank between 2600 BC and 2400 BC, placing its origin during the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. While the wooden hull has long since decayed, the site remains a significant archaeological find, resting nearly 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.

Led by Professor Hakan Oniz of Akdeniz University, the expedition team identified a cargo consisting of more than 30 ceramic amphorae and three stone anchors. Professor Oniz described the site as a "time capsule at the bottom of the sea." The vessel, estimated to be 32 feet (10 meters) in length, likely served as a trade ship transporting goods such as olive oil or wine. Analysis of the clay suggests the amphorae originated from workshops in the Jordan Valley, indicating sophisticated maritime logistics.

This discovery surpasses the age of the Dokos wreck in Greece, which was previously considered the oldest known shipwreck. The presence of similar ceramic vessels at historical sites in Egypt, Troy, and Crete provides crucial evidence of extensive Bronze Age trade networks. Among the artifacts, one unique amphora featuring nine markings and two holes suggests that ancient sailors may have produced their own food, such as cheese or butter, during long-distance voyages.

Turkey's Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, emphasized that the find sheds new light on Anatolia’s maritime history and the connectivity of ancient civilizations. By mapping these trade routes, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of how different regions were linked by sea during the Early Bronze Age. The study, published in the Journal of Maritime Archaeology, confirms the vessel was likely traveling from the Levantine coast toward Troy or Crete when it encountered disaster.