A maritime archaeology expedition has located what researchers identify as the world’s oldest known shipwreck in waters off Kekova Island near Antalya, Turkey. The vessel has been dated to between 4,400 and 4,700 years ago, placing it during the Early Bronze Age period. The ship, estimated at approximately 10 meters in length, is believed to have been a merchant vessel engaged in Mediterranean trade routes.
The wooden structure of the ancient ship has not survived the millennia underwater, but its ceramic cargo provides crucial evidence for dating and analysis. Archaeologists recovered more than 30 amphorae—large storage pots—along with three substantial stone anchors scattered across an underwater slope approximately 30 meters below the surface. Because organic wood material was absent, researchers could not employ radiocarbon dating techniques. Instead, they analyzed the distinctive pottery forms, which feature two handles, a central ridge, and a flat base. These design characteristics match amphorae from Egypt and the Middle East known to date to the same period, allowing researchers to confirm the wreck’s age with confidence.
Remarkably, some of the recovered vessels still contain residual material from their original contents, a discovery that surprised the excavation team. Researchers are currently investigating whether the residue indicates the pots originally held olive oil, wine, tree resins, or other trade goods. The findings suggest the vessel likely began its voyage from the eastern Mediterranean coast, possibly headed toward the ancient city of Troy or the Minoan civilization in Crete. The strong currents and treacherous conditions surrounding Kekova Island, which has claimed numerous vessels throughout history, may have contributed to this ship’s fate.
The recovered artifacts will be displayed at a new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya when it opens in the coming months. The discovery surpasses the previous record holder, a wreck off Dokos Island in Greece dating approximately 4,200 years ago. The expedition was led by Prof Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University as part of the Mediterranean Archaeology Association’s ongoing work studying the region’s extensive underwater archaeological heritage.
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