Story perspectives

World’s Oldest Shipwreck Found Off Turkey, 4,700-Year-Old

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 10:54 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Archaeologists Uncover Shipwreck

Archaeologists led by Prof Hakan Öniz announced the discovery of the world’s oldest shipwreck off Turkey.
The wreck dates to 4,400–4,700 years ago and measured about 10 meters, carrying over 30 amphorae.
The residue may be olive oil, wine or resin, indicating possible trade with Troy or Crete.
The find now tops the list of oldest shipwrecks, surpassing the 4,200-year-old Dokos wreck.

Summary

Sowada Evaluates Amphorae

Australian archaeologist Karin Sowada recently joined the team to assess the amphorae, adding international expertise.
A perforated amphora may have churned cheese or butter in the find, implying sailors kept goats during voyages.
Excavations proceeded under 2026 permits from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, underscoring legal heritage protection laws.

History

Historical Context

In summer 1982 sponge diver Mehmet Çakir found metal ingots off Uluburun, Turkey, leading the Institute of Nautical Archaeology to excavate the late-14th-century BCE ship from 1984-1994 in 22,413 dives. Its cargo of over 300 copper ingots, ivory and Canaanite jars shows a Mediterranean trade network linking the Aegean, Levant and Egypt. A 4,500-year-old wreck uncovered by Prof. Hakan Öniz confirms the same long-range exchange.

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Archaeologists Uncover Shipwreck

Archaeologists led by Prof Hakan Öniz announced the discovery of the world’s oldest shipwreck off Turkey.
The wreck dates to 4,400–4,700 years ago and measured about 10 meters, carrying over 30 amphorae.
The residue may be olive oil, wine or resin, indicating possible trade with Troy or Crete.
The find now tops the list of oldest shipwrecks, surpassing the 4,200-year-old Dokos wreck.

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