Adrasan shipwreck discovery reveals 2,100-year-old luxury ceramics

shipwreck underwater archaeology Roman ceramics Mediterranean trade Adrasan

Archaeologists conducting underwater excavations off the coast of Adrasan, Antalya, have discovered a 2,100-year-old shipwreck containing thousands of ceramic artifacts. The findings, announced by Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, include 122 different forms and sizes of plates, bowls, and trays.

The cargo primarily consists of ceramics from the Antakya region, specifically those produced in the ancient area of Rhosus (modern-day Arsuz). These luxury items were highly sought after in the Roman world. The historical significance is underscored by the writings of the Roman orator Cicero, who mentioned ordering Rhosus ceramics for his friend Atticus in 50 BC.

Excavations are being carried out at depths of 42 to 55 meters with the assistance of underwater robots. The artifacts remained remarkably well-preserved because they were packed in wooden chests with clay between the pieces to prevent breakage during transit. In addition to the ceramics, amphorae believed to be from Aegean islands were also recovered.

Entities

Adrasan · Antalya · Cícero · Mehmet Nuri Ersoy · Ministry of Culture and Tourism · Rhosus

Claims

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[● 3 SOURCES] Amphorae believed to have been produced on certain Aegean islands were also found in the shipwreck. cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced the discovery of 2,100-year-old tableware from a shipwreck. cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The shipwreck was located in the waters of Adrasan, Kumluca, Antalya, at a depth of 42 to 55 meters. cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The majority of the cargo consists of ceramics originating from Antakya and Rhosus (modern-day Arsuz). cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The ceramics were preserved by being placed in wooden chests with clay between them to prevent breakage. cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Archaeologists recovered thousands of ceramic artifacts, including 122 different forms and sizes of plates, bowls, and trays. cukurovagazetesi.com · www.karsmanset.com · www.yenicaggazetesi.com