Archaeologists discover world's oldest shipwreck off Turkish coast

Archaeologists have identified what is believed to be the world's oldest shipwreck near Kekova Island, off the coast of Antalya, Turkey. Dating back to the Early Bronze Age, the vessel is estimated to be between 4,400 and 4,700 years old, placing its origin roughly around the time the Great Pyramid of Giza was under construction.

The expedition, led by Professor Hakan Oniz of Akdeniz University and the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, discovered the site at a depth of approximately 30 meters. While the wooden hull has deteriorated, the team successfully recovered over 30 ceramic storage jars, or amphorae, along with three stone anchors. Some of these jars still contain residue of their ancient contents. The ship is believed to have been about ten meters long, likely serving as a commercial vessel for transporting goods across the Mediterranean.

Because no organic material from the ship survived to allow for radiocarbon dating, researchers determined the age of the wreck by analyzing the style and design of the ceramic vessels. The team compared these findings with similar items discovered in Egypt and the Middle East, confirming their antiquity. Professor Oniz described the discovery as a significant 'time capsule' located on the seafloor, providing new insights into maritime trade during the Bronze Age.