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Off the island of Kekova, on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, an underwater excavation has uncovered amphorae dating 4,400 to 4,700 years old, from the Early Bronze Age. According to maritime archaeologists, these vessels may constitute the preserved cargo of the oldest shipwreck known to date. The ship's wood has disappeared, but some thirty large containers have survived the centuries in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
A shipwreck preserved by its cargo
In the warm waters of the Mediterranean, wooden hulls decay quickly, and it is often ceramic or stone objects that bear witness to shipwrecks. This is precisely the case at Kekova. Archaeologists have recorded some thirty amphorae, large storage vessels used to transport goods, along with three stone anchors.
The arrangement of these items on the seabed indicates that the vessel was about 10 metres long. This modest size is typical of the coastal trading ships of the period, capable of hugging the coastline and carrying goods from one port to another.
Amphorae from the Jordan Valley
Analysis of the amphora clay has made it possible to pinpoint where they were made: the Jordan Valley. Comparable examples have been found in Egypt, at Troy and on Crete, testifying to the extent of trade networks in the eastern Mediterranean as early as the third millennium BCE.
These distant links show that at the beginning of the Bronze Age, goods and no doubt know-how were already circulating over long distances, well before the rise of the great city-states of the following period.
An amphora with a distinctive design
Among the vessels, one stands out for its design: it bears nine marks and two openings on its body. Archaeologists suggest it may have been used to make cheese or to churn butter.
If this interpretation is confirmed, it would suggest that sailors prepared part of their food on board themselves, rather than only transporting finished products.
Residues still to be identified
The most striking discovery concerns the condition of some of the intact amphorae. Karin Sowada, an archaeologist at Macquarie University in Australia who examined them, found that they still contained a viscous, glossy residue. Ongoing analyses are meant to determine whether it is olive oil, wine or plant resin.
It is also possible that these residues come from the jars being reused: containers this large were probably emptied on arrival and then used for many years.
An even wider trade network
This shipwreck belongs to an area already rich in discoveries. A comment posted beneath an article on The History Blog recalls the nearby Uluburun wreck, dating from the 14th century BCE, which carried copper ingots, glass, Baltic amber and tin, among other cargo. This comparison illustrates the density of ancient maritime routes.
The recovered objects are currently being studied and restored. They are due to be displayed at the future Underwater Archaeology Museum of the Mediterranean in Antalya, whose public opening has been announced for the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
What is the oldest known shipwreck?
According to information reported by The History Blog, the Kekova wreck off Turkey may be the oldest known shipwreck. Its amphorae date from 4,400 to 4,700 years ago, from the Early Bronze Age. As the ship's wood has not survived, it is the cargo that makes dating possible.
What were the amphorae found at Kekova used for?
These large vessels were used to store and transport goods. Some still contained residues, the nature of which remains to be determined. One particular amphora may have been used to make cheese or butter.
Where can the objects from the Kekova shipwreck be seen?
The objects are being studied and restored. They are due to be displayed at the new Underwater Archaeology Museum of the Mediterranean in Antalya, Turkey, whose opening has been announced soon.
Where did the Kekova amphorae come from?
Clay analysis showed that they were made in the Jordan Valley. Comparable objects have been found in Egypt, at Troy and on Crete, revealing the scale of trade in the eastern Mediterranean.
Sources
- 4,700-year-old amphorae found off coast of Turkey — The History Blog
Original summary written with the help of artificial intelligence from the sources cited, checked automatically, then translated from the French original. Information and quotations belong to their authors. Read the French original.
