# 4,700-Year-Old Shipwreck Discovered Off Turkey Coast Ancient pottery findings suggest early maritime trade routes linked the Levant to Troy. - **Source:** [All Articles | Discover Magazine](https://www.discovermagazine.com/rss/all) - **Published:** 2026-10-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6d76fdc9-990e-4512-b346-8e70c56e2c01 ## Discovery Near Kekova Island Researchers from Akdeniz University identified a shipwreck near Kekova Island off the coast of Antalya, Turkey, in 2024. The site lies approximately 100 feet underwater and contains over 30 clay amphorae. This discovery provides significant evidence regarding early maritime navigation and trade routes established during the Early Bronze Age period. ## Dating the Ancient Vessel Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy claims the wreck is the world's oldest, dating back 4,700 years. Because no timber remains, researchers determined the age by comparing the recovered pottery jars with similar artifacts found in Egypt and the Middle East, establishing a timeline consistent with the Early Bronze Age. ## Analyzing the Cargo Jars The vessel carried various amphorae featuring handles and flat bottoms, characteristic of Levantine design. Excavation teams recovered one jar in 2024 and another in 2025 for detailed analysis. These vessels differ in clay composition and manufacturing techniques, suggesting they were intended for transporting diverse agricultural goods like wine or olive oil. ## Potential Maritime Trade Routes Clay analysis indicates the jars originated from workshops in the Jordan Valley. Similar pottery has been discovered near Egyptian pyramids at Giza and Saqqara, as well as in Troy and Crete. Researchers hypothesize the ship departed from the Levantine coast, potentially bound for major trade hubs like Troy or the island of Crete. ## Evidence of Daily Life A unique clay jar with side holes suggests the presence of a churn, implying sailors may have carried goats to produce dairy products at sea. Furthermore, archaeologists identified a glossy residue inside some jars, which could represent olive oil, wine, or tree resin, offering a glimpse into the logistical realities of ancient voyages. ## Anchors and Vessel Structure Three stone anchors were located near the wreck site, resembling Bronze Age designs from Cyprus, Crete, and Anatolia. Although their direct connection to the ship remains unconfirmed, the vessel itself is estimated to be 33 feet long. Excavations continue under the Antalya Museum Directorate to locate further structural remains in the seabed. ## Comparison to Existing Finds The Kekova wreck is considered older than the famous shipwreck near the Greek island of Dokos, which dates back approximately 4,200 years. By documenting these artifacts, researchers aim to clarify the deep-rooted history of maritime commerce along the Anatolian coastline, providing a new benchmark for understanding the evolution of ancient Mediterranean shipping. ## Future Museum Exhibition Plans The recovered artifacts are currently undergoing conservation processes to ensure their preservation. Minister Ersoy announced that these findings will be displayed at a new underwater archaeology museum in Antalya. The facility is expected to open within months, allowing the public to view items that remained submerged on the seabed for nearly five millennia. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.discovermagazine.com/a-4-700-year-old-shipwreck-hailed-as-the-world-s-oldest-may-have-carried-goats-and-been-bound-for-troy-49811 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._