Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

Ancient Shipwreck Reveals Intact Ceramic Cargo Off Turkish Coast

A shipwreck discovered off the coast of Turkey, dating back 2,100 years, has yielded a remarkably well-preserved cargo of ancient tableware. The find offers insights into Anatolian craftsmanship and Mediterranean trade history.

Divers and archaeologists are excavating the wreck, which sank in the Mediterranean Sea. The cargo includes numerous plates, bowls, and specialized trays, preserved due to clay packing.

The wreck was found in 2023 by researchers from Akdeniz University near Adrasan. Excavation began last year, with the ship located between 138 and 180 feet below the surface.

Coins found at the site, originating from Antioch and dating to the first century B.C.E., indicate the ship sank at least two millennia ago.

Thousands of ceramic artifacts have been identified, categorized into 122 types. Plates and bowls were likely made in Rhosus (modern Arsuz), known for its ceramics mentioned by Cicero, while amphorae may be from the Aegean Islands.

The ship was likely part of a trade network connecting Antioch, Greece, and the Italian Peninsula, possibly en route to Rome. Researchers suggest it ran aground during a storm.

This shipwreck is considered rare due to its cargo consisting of a clearly defined ceramic class. Excavation is ongoing, utilizing underwater robots.

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