A shipwreck discovered off the coast of Kekova Island in Turkey has been identified as the oldest known example of its kind, according to archaeologists involved in the find. The vessel has been dated to between 4,400 and 4,700 years ago, placing it during the Early Bronze Age, a period concurrent with the construction of the Great Pyramid.
The approximately 10-meter-long trade vessel no longer retains its wooden structure, but the ceramic storage pots it carried remain largely intact on the sea floor at a depth of approximately 30 meters. Archaeologists recovered three large stone anchors and more than 30 amphorae, or ceramic storage vessels. Dating the wreck proved challenging due to the absence of organic materials suitable for radiocarbon analysis, so researchers instead examined the distinctive shape and design of the pottery. The amphorae feature two handles, a central ridge, and a flat base—characteristics that match vessels from Egypt and the Middle East known to be from this time period.
Notably, some of the recovered amphorae still contain residue of their original contents, prompting further investigation into what cargo the ship transported. Researchers believe the material could be olive oil, wine, or tree resins, though some residue may result from the jars being reused over many years. The discovery provides insights into ancient Mediterranean trade patterns, with evidence suggesting the ship’s voyage originated from the eastern Mediterranean coast and may have been headed toward either the ancient city of Troy or the Minoan civilization in Crete.
The wreck surpasses the previous record holder, a vessel found off the Greek island of Dokos approximately 4,200 years ago. The recovered artifacts will be displayed at the new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya when it opens in the coming months. The Turkish Ministry of Culture has ownership of the site, which sits in a region where strong currents and winds have resulted in numerous shipwrecks over millennia.
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