World’s Oldest Shipwreck Found Off Coast of Turkey
Researchers dated the wreck by pottery style after the wooden hull vanished, and recovered amphorae still contain residue that may reveal ancient cargo.
- On October 14, 2026, archaeologists led by Professor Hakan Öniz announced the discovery of the world's oldest known shipwreck off Kekova Island, Turkey. The 10-meter trade vessel dates to the Early Bronze Age, approximately 4,400–4,700 years ago.
- With no surviving wood available for radiocarbon dating, researchers identified the vessel's age by analyzing the distinctive shape and design of over 30 ceramic amphorae. Clay analysis suggests the jars were likely produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley.
- Macquarie University archaeologist Dr. Karin Sowada examined recovered amphorae and identified a thick, glossy residue inside that may indicate ancient olive oil or wine. Divers also recovered three large stone anchors from the site, lying 30 meters underwater.
- The recovered artifacts will be displayed at the new Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in Antalya, Turkey's Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced. The discovery provides rare evidence of maritime trade routes active during the Bronze Age.
- Surpassing the previous record holder near Dokos, Greece, this discovery dates to the construction era of the Great Pyramid. Professor Öniz stated, "We are the first humans who touched these objects after 5,000 years," reflecting the human connection to ancient sailors and families.
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156 Articles
Artifacts of a ship about 10 meters long were found near Kekova Island, on the coast of Turkey, in which archaeologists believe it is the oldest shipwreck in the world. Although the hull wood has not resisted time, different pieces were found scattered on a submerged slope about 30 meters deep. According to experts, it is possible that the amphora found on the site still store products marketed for more than 4,000 years by the Mediterranean. The…
The Conversation
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 BCE. That’s about 4,500 years ago. Prior to this discovery, the world’s oldest shipwreck was a wreck off the coast of Dokos, in Greece, thought to have b…
Archaeologists have discovered the wreckage of a ship over 4,700 years old off the coast of Turkey, making it the oldest shipwreck ever found. Numerous jars were also found at the bottom of the sea.
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