Ancient shipwreck discovered off Turkey's Kekova coast

Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world's oldest shipwreck off the coast of Kekova Island in Turkey's Antalya province. The vessel, estimated to have sunk during the Early Bronze Age between 4,400 and 4,700 years ago, predates the previous record holder found near the Greek island of Dokos.

While the wooden structure of the approximately 10-meter-long trading vessel did not survive, researchers from the Mediterranean Archaeology Association and Akdeniz University recovered significant artifacts at a depth of 30 meters. These include three large stone anchors and more than 30 ceramic amphorae. The age of the wreck was determined by the distinctive design of the amphorae, which match pottery styles found in Egypt and the Middle East from the same period.

Some of the ceramic jars remain nearly intact and contain residues of their original contents, which scientists are currently analyzing. Professor Hakan Öniz, who led the expedition, described the find as a ‘time capsule at the bottom of the sea.’ The discovery provides new insights into ancient Mediterranean trade routes, potentially linking regions to ancient Troy or the Minoans on Crete.