World's oldest known shipwreck enters Guinness World Records

Archaeologists from Akdeniz University in Turkey identified the oldest known shipwreck in the world near the island of Kekova.

The team conducted underwater excavations starting in 2024 under the authorization of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. They located a site approximately 30 metres below sea level containing more than 30 amphorae and three stone anchors. Because the wooden structure of the vessel did not survive, researchers could not use radiocarbon dating to determine its age.

Instead, experts analyzed the shape and decoration of the amphorae, which resemble containers from Egypt and the Middle East. Hakan Öniz, a researcher on the project, stated that these decorations confirm the shipwreck dates back to the Early Bronze Age, approximately 4400 to 4700 years ago. Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism, noted that the amphorae likely transported olive oil or wine, providing evidence of ancient maritime trade in the eastern Mediterranean.

Clay analysis suggests the vessels may have originated in the Jordan River Valley. The discovery surpassed the previous record held by a wreck near the Greek island of Dokos, which is estimated to be 4200 years old.