Archaeologists discover world's oldest shipwreck off coast of Turkiye, 4,700 years old

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of what is believed to be the world's oldest shipwreck, found off the coast of Turkiye near Kekova Island. Dating back an estimated 4,400 to 4,700 years to the Early Bronze Age, this ancient vessel offers a unique glimpse into early maritime history and trade in the eastern Mediterranean. The discovery surpasses the previous record holder, a 4,200-year-old wreck found off Dokos, Greece.

Although the wooden hull of the ship itself did not survive the millennia, researchers recovered over 30 ceramic storage jars, known as amphorae, along with large stone anchors from the seabed at a depth of approximately 20 to 30 meters. These amphorae, some of which still contain residue thought to be olive oil or wine, provide crucial clues about the ship's cargo and purpose. Clay analysis indicates that these containers likely originated from workshops in the Jordan Valley, suggesting extensive trade routes that connected various regions, potentially including Crete or the ancient city of Troy.

The expedition, led by Associate Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University, initially discovered the wreck in 2024, with excavations commencing in 2026. This significant archaeological find is considered a "time capsule" and is expected to shed considerable light on the maritime activities, daily lives of ancient mariners, and trade networks of the Early Bronze Age.