Ancient Shipwreck Containing 2000-Year-Old Artefacts Discovered Off Turkey

Marine Archaeologists working off the Turkish coast have made a remarkable discovery. They have found an ancient shipwreck with many artefacts in excellent condition, dating back 2000 years, at a depth of 120 to 150 feet.

According to experts, the ship dates back to the Late Hellenistic-Early Roman period and has yielded ceramic ware, plates, bowls, trays, pots, etc, all discovered as they were originally stacked thousands of years ago, capturing a moment in time.

The artefacts’ colours and designs are intact despite them having spent the last two millennia underwater.

This is because of the protective raw clay coating, which was applied to them before they were shipped. This technique created a natural sealant which shielded the items from marine erosion and corrosion.

This method has not been documented on an extensive scale in archaeological finds before, making this discovery important.

Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, dived to inspect the shipwreck and expressed his amazement. He added that this discovery is unlike any other in the world.

He added that the ceramics in the cargo ship, that is around 2000 years old, have reached the present day without getting spoiled, making it an extremely valuable discovery not only for their country but also for the world.

According to archaeologists, the ship was carrying consumer items when it sank. The excellent condition of the cargo and its arrangement offer researchers information about ancient packaging methods and logistical practices.

This find has become one among the over 400 shipwrecks found between the ancient city of Pataa and Mersin.

This shows the region was a hub of maritime trade and commerce, and also helps trace the shipping networks which operated throughout the eastern Mediterranean during this period.

Source: Maritime Shipping News