Ancient shipwreck found near Turkey

The oldest shipwreck in the world has been discovered off the coast of Turkey, near the island of Kekova in the province of Antalya. The ship is dated to approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years ago, corresponding to the beginning of the Bronze Age.

Details of the ship's remains

Researchers estimate the ship was 10 meters long and served as a merchant vessel. The remains, including ceramic jars, were found scattered over a submarine slope at a depth of 30 meters. Some of the pottery still contained residues, according to the BBC. The discovery includes three large stone anchors and more than thirty amphorae.

Characteristics of the ceramics

The ceramics found at Kekova have distinctive features, including two handles, a rim, and a flat base. According to Hakan Öniz, an archaeologist at Akdeniz University in Turkey, this model corresponds to other amphorae discovered in Egypt and the Middle East. By comparing the decorative techniques, researchers affirm with certainty that the shipwreck dates from the beginning of the Bronze Age.

Analysis of the jar residues

Archaeologist Karin Sowada, director of the Egyptology Center at Macquarie University in Australia, noted a viscous, shiny residue inside the containers retrieved from the surface. The contents of the amphorae remain uncertain, with possibilities including olive oil, wine, or tree resins. Sowada suggests the residues could also be from the reuse of the jars, as they were large and likely reused over many years.

Possible origin and significance

The ship is believed to have begun its journey along the eastern Mediterranean coast and may have been heading towards the ancient city of Troy in present-day northwestern Turkey or the Minoan civilization on Crete. The region is known for frequent shipwrecks due to strong currents and winds. The Kekova shipwreck is now considered the oldest in the world, surpassing the Dokos shipwreck in Greece, which is about 4,200 years old. The oldest known intact shipwreck, with preserved wood, was discovered in the Black Sea off the coast of Bulgaria and is about 2,400 years old.