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    Discovery of the world's oldest shipwreck off Turkish coast dated to Early Bronze Age

    Section editor: ·Moderate4 articles covering this·4 news sources·Updated an hour ago·MENA
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    Artifacts from the world's oldest shipwreck discovered off Turkey's coast, showcasing ancient maritime trade.

    What happened

    Turkish authorities announced the discovery of the world's oldest known shipwreck, dating back approximately 4,700 years, near Kekova Island.

    The Context

    • Significant find: The shipwreck, a merchant vessel, provides insights into early maritime trade routes connecting the Levant, Egypt, and Anatolia during the Early Bronze Age.
    • Ongoing research: The site has been under study since 2024, with systematic excavations revealing artifacts that challenge previous assumptions about the region's maritime history.
    • Cultural heritage: The Turkish government is committed to preserving this underwater heritage, highlighting its importance for understanding Anatolian maritime history.

    The Number

    4,700 years

    — This age underscores the shipwreck's significance in tracing the evolution of trade and cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean.

    Takeaway

    Expect further scientific publications and conservation efforts that will deepen insights into Bronze Age seafaring and trade networks.

    4 Articles
    Al Jazeera

    World’s oldest shipwreck found off coast of Turkiye

    The world's oldest shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Turkiye, with clay analysis revealing that the recovered storage jars trace back to early history workshops operating in the Jordan Valley. This significant find sheds light on ancient...

    Al Jazeera

    World’s oldest shipwreck found off coast of Turkiye

    The world's oldest shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Turkiye, with clay analysis revealing that the recovered storage jars trace back to early history workshops operating in the Jordan Valley. This significant find sheds light on ancient...

    The National

    'World’s oldest known shipwreck' lost more than 4,000 years ago found off Turkey

    The world's oldest known shipwreck, dating back over 4,000 years, has been discovered off the coast of Turkey, providing significant insights into ancient maritime history. This remarkable find sheds light on the shipbuilding techniques and trade pra...

    Sky News Technology

    World's oldest shipwreck found off Turkish coast

    The world's oldest shipwreck has been discovered off the coast of Turkey, as reported by archaeologists. This significant find highlights the rich maritime history of the region and offers insights into ancient seafaring practices. Pic: Hakan Oniz

    BBC News

    World's oldest shipwreck found off coast of Turkey

    Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest shipwreck off the coast of Turkey, dating back approximately 4,700 years to the Early Bronze Age. This significant find sheds light on ancient maritime practices and trade routes of the time.

    BBC News

    World's oldest shipwreck found off coast of Turkey

    Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest shipwreck off the coast of Turkey, dating back approximately 4,700 years to the Early Bronze Age. This significant find sheds light on ancient maritime practices and trade routes of the time.