Archaeologists have discovered what is believed to be the world’s oldest known shipwreck, dating to between 4,400 and 4,700 years ago, off the coast of Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey. The vessel, a trade ship approximately 10 meters (32 feet) long, sank during the Early Bronze Age, around the same period the Great Pyramid of Giza was under construction. While the wooden hull has long since decayed, researchers recovered more than 30 ceramic storage pots (amphorae) and three stone anchors from the wreck site, located 30 meters (100 feet) below sea level.
The discovery, led by Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University and the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, predates the previously recognized Dokos wreck in Greece as the oldest known shipwreck. The amphorae, some of which still contain traces of their original contents, were analyzed to confirm the vessel’s age. Their distinctive design—featuring two handles, a central ridge, and a flat base—matches other Early Bronze Age pottery unearthed in Egypt and the Middle East, including sites near the Giza pyramids and Troy. Experts suggest the ship likely transported goods such as olive oil or wine across the eastern Mediterranean, possibly departing from a Levantine port en route to destinations like Crete or Troy.
The wreck’s location on an underwater slope near Kekova Island was identified during an underwater survey. The stone anchors, which were standard equipment for long voyages, and the scattered amphorae provide insight into Bronze Age maritime trade networks. The artifacts are being conserved and studied after thousands of years submerged, with some pots still intact despite their age. The absence of wooden remains prevented the use of radiocarbon dating, so researchers relied on pottery typology to establish the timeline. Öniz stated the wreck is “a time capsule at the bottom of the sea,” offering a rare glimpse into early seafaring and commerce.
The find underscores the expansive trade connections of the Early Bronze Age, linking regions from the Jordan Valley to Egypt and the Aegean. Similar amphorae have been found at Saqqara, Abusir, and Troy, suggesting a well-established network of exchange. The discovery also highlights the role of underwater archaeology in uncovering lost chapters of human history, as many ancient shipwrecks remain preserved beneath the waves. Further analysis of the amphorae’s contents and origins may reveal additional details about the ship’s cargo and route.