World's Oldest Bronze Age Shipwreck Discovered in the Mediterranean
A merchant shipwreck discovered off the coast of Kekova in Turkey has been dated using examples from Egypt and the Middle East.
A 4,400- to 4,700-year-old Bronze Age shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Kekova Island on Turkey's southern coast.
Discovery and Depth of the Shipwreck
A Bronze Age shipwreck has been identified on the seabed at a depth of approximately 100 feet off the coast of Kekova Island on Turkey's southern coast.
Dating with Amphorae
Hakan Öniz from Akdeniz University stated that the amphora style, which matches other vessels found in Egypt and the Middle East, was used to date the shipwreck.
Cargo and Stone Anchors
More than thirty amphorae and three large stone anchors resting on the seafloor indicate that the original size of the ship was about 30 feet in length.
Residue Analyses
Karin Sowada from Macquarie University and her team are analyzing residues detected in the intact amphorae, which could be olive oil, wine, or tree resin.
Possible Trade Route
Researchers state that the merchant ship set sail from a port in the Eastern Mediterranean and was heading toward northwestern Turkey or Crete before sinking in the hazardous waters near the island.