World's oldest shipwreck discovered off coast of Turkey
A shipwreck off the coast of Turkey is the oldest shipwreck in the world, our team of archaeologists believes. There's little left of the ship itself, but based on clues from its cargo—including pottery vessels—a research team I was part of has tentatively dated the wreck to around 2700–2400 B.C.
A shipwreck off the coast of Turkey may be the oldest shipwreck ever discovered, according to a team of archaeologists. Based on evidence from its cargo—pottery vessels—the wreck is tentatively dated to around 2700–2400 B.C., approximately 4,500 years ago. Prior to this discovery, the oldest known shipwreck was off the coast of Greece, estimated to be from about 4,200 years ago.
While much work remains to refine these conclusions, the find could reshape our understanding of ancient Mediterranean trade during the Early Bronze Age. The ship, which has largely deteriorated due to its underwater exposure, was found in shallow waters off Kekova, west of Antalya in Turkey, in 2024. The ship's cargo, including large ceramic storage vessels or amphorae, holds clues about its origin and the commodities exchanged across the region.
The ship likely traveled along the southern Turkish coast before taking refuge in the lee waters during a storm. The pottery, resistant to decay, contains residues that could include products like olive oil, wine, or tree resin. While the exact dating and origin of the pottery still need further analysis, this discovery promises to illuminate the maritime networks of the ancient eastern Mediterranean.
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