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2 clusters · 80 sources · 1 days · First seen 14 days ago · Last updated 13 days ago

Ancient shipwreck discovery near Turkey

Overview

Archaeologists near the Turkish coast by Antalya have discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known shipwreck. Located at a depth of approximately 30 meters near Kekova, the vessel dates back to the Early Bronze Age, approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years ago—a period coinciding with the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. While the wooden structure of the ten-meter-long vessel was not preserved, the excavation led by Associate Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University under the Mediterranean Archaeological Society revealed three large stone anchors and more than 30 ceramic storage jars, or amphorae. Some of these jars still contain original organic materials, which researchers believe could be olive oil, wine, or resins, offering a “time capsule on the seabed” of ancient Mediterranean maritime life. Archaeologist Karin Sowada noted that these materials provide a unique ‘time capsule’ of ancient life. Clay analysis of the amphorae suggests they may have been produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley, indicating extensive ancient trade networks connecting regions such as Egypt, Troy, and Crete. Recent findings have expanded the understanding of the cargo; one specific amphora, featuring unique markings and holes, suggests it may have been used for dairy production, such as cheese or butter. This potentially implies that sailors carried livestock on long voyages. Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy has also characterized the find as a “time capsule at the bottom of the sea” that offers vital insights into ancient Mediterranean trade and the daily lives of early seafarers. Researchers believe the ship was likely traveling from the Levantine coast toward either Crete or modern-day Hisarlik when it sank. Due to the absence of wood, scientists estimated the age of the wreck by analyzing the characteristics and decoration of the amphorae rather than using radiocarbon dating.

Entities

Mediterranean Archaeology Association · Arild Skjæveland Vivås · University Museum of Bergen · Stavanger Maritime Museum · Hakan Öniz

Claims

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

[● 3 SOURCES] The shipwreck is estimated to be between 4,400 and 4,700 years old.
[● 3 SOURCES] The find dates back to the Early Bronze Age.
[● 3 SOURCES] The shipwreck was located near Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey.
[● 3 SOURCES] The vessel was a commercial ship approximately 10 meters in length.
[● 3 SOURCES] Divers discovered three large stone anchors and more than 30 ceramic amphorae.
[● 3 SOURCES] Some amphorae still contain traces of their original contents.
[● 3 SOURCES] The shipwreck was found at a depth of approximately 30 meters.
[● 2 SOURCES] The discovery of amphorae from the world's oldest shipwreck provides insight into Anatolia's maritime history.
[● 2 SOURCES] The amphorae recovered are approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years old.
[● 2 SOURCES] The shipwreck likely dates back to the Early Bronze Age.
[● 2 SOURCES] Clay analysis suggests the amphorae were likely produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley.
[● 2 SOURCES] The amphorae were likely used to transport olive oil or wine.

Timeline

13 days ago

[CULTURE] 78 sources
Turkiye unearths world’s oldest shipwreck near Kekova Island
Archaeologists in Turkiye have discovered a 4,700-year-old shipwreck near Kekova Island, potentially the oldest in the world, revealing ancient Mediterranean trade routes via recovered Bronze Age amphorae.
14 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Norway discovery may be the world's oldest stone anchor
Archaeologists in Norway have discovered a 5,000-year-old stone at the Hespriholmen quarry that may be the world's oldest known anchor.

Sources

24sata.hr · 6abc.com · abc17news.com · abc30.com · abc7.com · aktual24.ro · aventurasnahistoria.uol.com.br · bahamasspectator.com · bairdmaritime.com · barbadosgazette.com · blikk.hu · bosnainfo.ba · cafef.vn · cyprus-mail.com · de.euronews.com · denik.cz · dominicanrepublicpost.com · es.euronews.com · eveningreport.nz · exibart.com · flash.gr · foxweather.com · freerepublic.com · gazetaprawna.pl · gaziantepdenge.com · gzt.com · haber16.com · haberkibris.com · haitigazette.com · htv.vn · ieidiseis.gr · indigodergisi.com · jutarnji.hr · karsmanset.com · kemergozcu.com · keyt.com · kion546.com · krdo.com · kvia.com · laopinion.com · livenowfox.com · m.takvim.com.tr · marinelink.com · mayacomunicacion.com.mx · metropolitan.si · metrosport.gr · mondo.rs · n1info.ba

This summary has been updated 8 times: see revision history