Oldest Bronze Age Shipwreck Discovered Off Coast of Türkiye

During underwater research conducted off the southern coasts of Türkiye, the remains of a wooden cargo vessel dating to the period when the Giza Pyramid was built and estimated to have sunk during the Early Bronze Age have been brought to light.

Details of the Historical Discovery

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of the remains of a wooden cargo vessel off the coast of Türkiye, estimated to have sunk approximately 5,000 years ago and believed to be the world's oldest ship wreck.

Coinciding with the Era of the Pyramids

Hakan Öniz, who led the underwater excavation, stated that the ship remains date back to the period when the Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed and are approximately 30 feet long.

Carried Olive Oil and Wine

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced that among the artifacts recovered from the ship are ceramic storage jars and clay vessels that may have been used in the transportation of olive oil and wine.

Shedding Light on Maritime Trade

Minister Ersoy stated that an amphora found among the finds, featuring nine different marks and two holes, may have been used in cheese or butter production, and that this discovery will shed light on the history of maritime trade along the Anatolian coasts.

Found Off the Coast of Kekova

Hakan Öniz from Akdeniz University's Department of Underwater Cultural Heritage reported that during operations carried out by the Mediterranean Archaeology Association exploration team, the ship was found off the coast of Kekova Island at a depth of approximately 100 feet.