Turkiye unearths world’s oldest shipwreck near Kekova Island

shipwreck discovery Early Bronze Age underwater archaeology Mediterranean maritime trade amphorae

Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest shipwreck off the coast of Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkiye. The find dates back to the Early Bronze Age, approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years ago, a period contemporaneous with the construction of the Great Pyramids of Giza.

While the wooden hull of the vessel did not survive, the excavation led by Associate Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University recovered more than 30 ceramic storage jars, known as amphorae, and three large stone anchors at a depth of about 30 meters. Clay analysis suggests the containers were manufactured in the Jordan Valley, indicating extensive maritime trade routes connecting the Levantine coast to regions such as Egypt, Greece, and Troy.

Some of the recovered amphorae still contained significant organic residues. One unique vessel, featuring nine markings and two holes, suggests it may have been used to churn butter or cheese. Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy described the find as a “time capsule at the bottom of the sea” that provides vital insights into ancient Mediterranean trade and the daily lives of early seafarers.

Entities

Akdeniz University · Hakan Öniz · Karin Sowada · Kekova · Kekova Island · Macquarie University · Mediterranean Archaeological Association · Mediterranean Archaeological Society · Mediterranean Archaeology Association · Mehmet Nuri Ersoy · Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Clay analysis suggests the amphorae were likely produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Excavations are being conducted under the scientific supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Öniz. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The shipwreck likely dates back to the Early Bronze Age. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The amphorae were likely used to transport olive oil or wine. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The amphorae recovered are approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years old. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The discovery of amphorae from the world's oldest shipwreck provides insight into Anatolia's maritime history. www.takvim.com.tr · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The shipwreck is estimated to be between 4,400 and 4,700 years old. www.reader.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.sigmalive.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The age of the wreck was determined by the morphology of the amphorae rather than radiocarbon dating. www.sigmalive.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Some amphorae still contain traces of their original contents. www.reader.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.sigmalive.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Divers discovered three large stone anchors and more than 30 ceramic amphorae. www.reader.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.sigmalive.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The find dates back to the Early Bronze Age. www.reader.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.sigmalive.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The vessel was a commercial ship approximately 10 meters in length. www.reader.gr · www.ieidiseis.gr · www.sigmalive.com