Turkey's culture minister announced the discovery of what may be the world's oldest shipwreck off the island of Kekova, with ceramic jars dated to 2,400–2,700 B. C. during the early Bronze Age. The viscous black residue inside the amphoras remains unidentified, but researchers believe the vessel carried resin or wine to ancient sites like Troy or Crete.
Lead archaeologist Hakan Oniz stated the find is 'definitely' the oldest known trade ship, though others may surpass it in time. Experts not involved, including Stanford's Justin Leidwanger, expressed caution, noting the burden of proof is high without hull remains. Leidwanger said, 'We're all excited by 'maybe,'' emphasizing that uncertainty makes the site more tantalizing and worthy of further study.
Other Bronze Age wrecks exist in the region, and evidence is limited to jars and three anchors, with no wood surviving for carbon dating. Some experts suggest the amphoras could have been jettisoned rather than lost with a ship. However, the Turkish team pointed to calcium carbonate tubes from shipworms and distinctive jar design as signs of a wreck.
Karin Sowada of Macquarie University analyzed the jars, linking them to modern Lebanon and suggesting trade routes toward Crete or Troy. While the find fills a gap in known eastern Mediterranean trade networks, outside experts urge more research before confirming the age, noting pottery debates are foundational in archaeology.
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