Archaeologists have uncovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known shipwreck off the coast of Turkey, dating back approximately 4,400 to 4,700 years. The vessel, a merchant trading ship from the Early Bronze Age, was found near Kekova Island in the Antalya province of southern Turkey, resting about 30 meters beneath the Mediterranean Sea.

While the wooden hull of the ship has long since disintegrated, divers discovered a significant cargo of more than 30 ceramic amphorae and three large stone anchors scattered across the seafloor. Some of the amphorae still contained residues, which archaeologists suggest could be olive oil, wine, or tree resin. One particularly unusual amphora featured nine distinct markings and two holes, leading experts to speculate that it may have functioned as a churn for producing cheese or butter, indicating that sailors might have kept livestock onboard to sustain themselves during lengthy voyages.

The vessel is estimated to have been around 10 meters (approximately 32 feet) in length and is thought to have been a trade ship traveling across the eastern Mediterranean. Clay analysis indicates that many of the amphorae originated from workshops in the Jordan Valley, pointing to extensive trade networks connecting ancient civilizations in the region. Researchers suggest the ship may have sailed from the Levantine coast, possibly heading toward Troy on the northwestern coast of Turkey or the Minoan civilization on Crete when it sank.

This discovery surpasses the previously recognized oldest shipwreck found near the Greek island of Dokos, dated to around 4,200 years ago. According to Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University, who led the expedition alongside the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, the wreck represents a unique time capsule offering insights into ancient maritime commerce. Dr. Karin Sowada of Macquarie University in Australia, involved in the research, emphasized the exceptional preservation of the cargo, noting the visible residues inside the amphorae and highlighting the significance of the find in understanding early trade relationships.

The Turkish culture minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, remarked on the importance of the discovery for illuminating cultural exchanges and maritime trade in the ancient Mediterranean. The artefacts recovered from the site are planned to be exhibited at the forthcoming Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya, adding to the growing knowledge of seafaring and commercial activity during the Bronze Age.

This shipwreck contributes to a broader archaeological narrative about the connectivity of early civilizations through trade. Similar ceramic containers have been found at ancient sites around Egypt, Crete, Troy, and the Levantine coast, supporting the idea of an interconnected Mediterranean trading system during this period. The discovery thus provides valuable evidence of early seaborne trade routes and the goods that sustained ancient maritime expeditions.