World’s oldest shipwreck off Turkey: 4,700-year-old amphorae discovered
The shipwreck found near Antalya’s Kekova Island, dated to roughly 4,400–4,700 years ago, sheds light on maritime trade in the eastern Mediterranean.
Off the Turkish island of Kekova, underwater explorations have unearthed amphorae believed to be remnants of the world's oldest shipwreck, dating back 4,400–4,700 years. These ancient clay vessels, likely used for transporting olive oil or wine, offer valuable insights into Anatolia's maritime history and trade connections in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, highlighted the significance of this discovery, stating that it reveals evidence of the world's oldest shipwreck. Clay analyses of the amphorae suggest their origins in workshops along the Jordan Valley. Similar findings in Egypt, Troy, and Crete underscore the exchange of trade and culture across regions.
Antalya Museum Directorate and Associate Professor Hakan Öniz, leading the scientific excavations, aim to continue unveiling Anatolia's maritime history and safeguard the underwater cultural heritage for future generations.
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