A shipwreck discovered off the coast of Kekova Island in Turkey has been identified by archaeologists as the oldest known to date, with materials suggesting an age between 4,400 and 4,700 years. The vessel, approximately 10 meters in length, operated as a trade ship traversing the Mediterranean Sea during the Early Bronze Age, a period contemporary with the construction of Egypt’s Great Pyramid.
While the ship’s wooden structure has not survived the passage of time, the ceramic storage containers it carried remain largely intact on the seafloor at a depth of approximately 30 meters. The expedition, led by Prof Hakan Öniz from Akdeniz University and organized by the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, recovered over 30 amphorae along with three large stone anchors. The absence of organic wood material prevented researchers from employing radiocarbon dating techniques, instead requiring them to analyze the distinctive pottery style—characterized by two handles, a central ridge, and a flat base—which matched amphorae of known age recovered from Egypt and the Middle East.
Among the most significant findings is the presence of residual material still adhering to the interior surfaces of recovered vessels. Dr Karin Sowada from Macquarie University in Australia noted the substantial quantity of viscous, glossy residue found within intact pots, suggesting the amphorae may have contained olive oil, wine, or tree resins. Researchers are continuing analysis to determine the specific cargo, while acknowledging that such large containers were likely reused multiple times over their operational lifespan.
Evidence indicates the vessel likely originated from the eastern Mediterranean coast, with its destination believed to be either the ancient city of Troy in northwestern Turkey or Crete, where Minoan peoples resided. The wreck’s location near Kekova Island, an area characterized by treacherous currents and winds responsible for numerous maritime losses throughout history, provides insight into the hazardous nature of ancient sea travel. The recovered artifacts will be displayed at the new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya when the facility opens in the coming months, under the stewardship of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture.
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