# Ancient shipwreck discovery near Turkey > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ancient-shipwreck-discovery-near-turkey > Updated: 2026-10-14T05:00:35.000Z. Sources: 80. Developments: 2. 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. ## Claims - The shipwreck is estimated to be between 4,400 and 4,700 years old. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The find dates back to the Early Bronze Age. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The shipwreck was located near Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The vessel was a commercial ship approximately 10 meters in length. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Divers discovered three large stone anchors and more than 30 ceramic amphorae. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Some amphorae still contain traces of their original contents. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The shipwreck was found at a depth of approximately 30 meters. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The discovery of amphorae from the world's oldest shipwreck provides insight into Anatolia's maritime history. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The amphorae recovered are approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years old. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The shipwreck likely dates back to the Early Bronze Age. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Clay analysis suggests the amphorae were likely produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The amphorae were likely used to transport olive oil or wine. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-14: 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. 78 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ancient-shipwreck-discovered-near-turkish-coast ### 2026-10-13: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/norway-discovery-may-be-the-worlds-oldest-stone-anchor --- Cite as: Ancient shipwreck discovery near Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ancient-shipwreck-discovery-near-turkey