The Newshound

World's oldest shipwreck, sunk 4,700 years ago near Turkey, was carrying pots that STILL hold their cargo

From the Newshound archive · first published 14 October 2026 · last updated 15 October 2026.

Ceramic amphorae recovered from the seabed off Kekova Island, Turkey, where a 4,400–4,700-year-old shipwreck was found — some still containing traces of their original cargo.
Ceramic amphorae recovered from the seabed off Kekova Island, Turkey, where a 4,400–4,700-year-old shipwreck was found — some still containing traces of their original cargo.
Archaeologists excavate the seabed off Kekova Island, Antalya, where three large stone anchors were found scattered across an underwater slope alongside the ancient wreck's ceramics.
Archaeologists excavate the seabed off Kekova Island, Antalya, where three large stone anchors were found scattered across an underwater slope alongside the ancient wreck's ceramics.
A diver examines the wreck site off Kekova Island, Antalya — the Early Bronze Age trade ship, roughly 10 metres long, sank in just 30 metres of water.
A diver examines the wreck site off Kekova Island, Antalya — the Early Bronze Age trade ship, roughly 10 metres long, sank in just 30 metres of water.
The wreck site off Kekova Island, Antalya — Prof Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University, who led the expedition, called it "a time capsule at the bottom of the sea.
The wreck site off Kekova Island, Antalya — Prof Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University, who led the expedition, called it "a time capsule at the bottom of the sea.

Archaeologists have identified the world's oldest known shipwreck near Kekova Island in Antalya, Turkey. The vessel has been dated to between 4,400 and 4,700 years ago, placing it in the Early Bronze Age — the same period as the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza. An expedition by the Mediterranean Archaeology Association, led by Professor Hakan Öniz of Akdeniz University, discovered the wreck lying at 30 metres depth, its artefacts scattered across a submerged slope. The ship is estimated at around 10 metres long and is thought to have been a trading vessel working the eastern Mediterranean.

The previous record-holder was a vessel found near the Greek island of Dokos, dated to approximately 4,200 years ago.

Dr Karin Sowada of Macquarie University said she 'nearly fainted' on seeing a thick, glossy residue still visible inside the recovered pots, believed to be olive oil, wine or tree resins.

Clay analysis points to the amphorae having most likely been produced in workshops in the Jordan Valley, and the ship may have been bound for Troy.

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