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World's Oldest Shipwreck Discovered in the Mediterranean
Archaeology Magazine • • world
Key Points:
- A Bronze Age shipwreck near Kekova Island, Turkey, has been dated to 4,400-4,700 years ago, with no remains of the ship itself but over 30 amphoras found on the seafloor.
- The amphoras' style, similar to those found in Egypt and the Middle East, helped date the wreck, and the cargo size suggests the ship was about 30 feet long.
- Three large stone anchors were discovered, indicating the ship's function as a trade vessel.
- Researchers are analyzing residues in some amphoras, which may contain olive oil, wine, or tree resins, to better understand the ship's cargo.
- The ship likely sailed from an eastern Mediterranean port toward northwestern Turkey or Crete before sinking near Kekova Island.
