A recently discovered ancient shipwreck off the Turkish coast at Adrasan is allowing archaeologists a stunning glimpse into ancient maritime trade and ceramic production over two millennia ago. Resting between 120 to 150 feet (around 46 meters) deep, the shipwreck has been dated to the Late Hellenistic–Early Roman period and contains a pristine cargo of ceramic ware—bowls, plates, trays, and pots—all still neatly stacked in their original arrangement.
What makes this discovery special is the condition of the artifacts. Coated with raw clay as a protective measure, the ceramics were left with their designs and colors surprisingly intact. This technique, never before used on such an extensive scale, created a natural sealant that kept the articles safe from corrosion and marine erosion for over 2,000 years.
“This is a highly precious discovery not just for our country, but also in terms of world cultural heritage,” said Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. Minister Ersoy, who personally dived down to inspect the wreck, described it as “a discovery like no other in the world. The ceramics that were loaded onto this cargo ship have reached the present day without even spoiling their patterns.”
Over 400 shipwrecks have been found so far between the ancient city of Patara and Mersin, which shows the extent of maritime commerce in ancient history in the eastern Mediterranean.
Archaeologists believe that the ship was headed to deliver consumer items and that the state and organization of the cargo reveal something new about ancient production, packaging, and trade. Because the ceramics were in their original shipping positions, researchers now have the chance to study not only the objects but also ancient storage and logistical strategies.
They will exhibit some of the selected artifacts from this and several other wrecks in the upcoming Mediterranean Underwater Archaeology Museum in the Kemer Idyros region. Construction of the museum will begin this summer. Once excavation is complete, part of the wreck site of Adrasan—called the “Ceramic Sink”—will also be opened to diving tourism.
More information: Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Isn’t it wonderful that in this day and age of cell phones, hurried lives, war and uncertainty, that we still make discoveries from the past that are not only fascinating but also add to our knowledge of the world!
Incredible, can you imagine the craft…
I love archaeology. I wanted to be an archaeologist, but unfortunately, I was raised for and the people who raised me with poor I live with my aunt and uncle when my uncle died I was 16 I was supposed to go to work. I couldn’t survive without working. There was no welfare help for me at all, and my aunt could not make sense to me to keep the roof over my head as well as hers, so there was no choice later on. I joined the service at the age of 18 went to Vietnam and serve and got my GED to the military, but still could not fulfill my desires and hopes of being an archaeologist. I gave up on it and learn learned , but still could not fulfill my desires and hopes of being an archaeologist. I gave up on it and learned other trades to make a living later on, I got married. and had a family and put my dreams behind me. I had to think of my family and it had to be done. There was only one dig. I was lucky to get into and I did that only as a work or two be part of some archaeological day and that was so long ago, but I love archaeology there’s so much you can learn from the past how do we know the future and how to deal with it if we don’t know the past thank you
Hi Douglas. Thank you for sharing your story. Although archaeology is a scientific field, thanks to this magazine and the many accessible resources available today, we can all continue learning and connecting with the past. Many archaeological digs around the world are now supported by volunteers working alongside professional archaeologists. If you’re still interested, you might find opportunities by searching online or reaching out to relevant organizations in your area. It’s never too late to be part of something you love.
I always find history and it’s artifacts to be fascinating.morgn k.
Sounds interesting but why no pictures of the pottery? That’s the great thing right?
Do you see the Facebook post mentioned in this article and the images within it? If not, please refresh the page.
Hi you might try YouTube !!!!! I said the same thing and then I thought a minute and said YOUTUBE olololo😁👍
Never ceases to amaze me what things are discovered I scuba dive in one of my dreams was actually look for shipwrecks I just need a partner to go with me. Someone that’s adventurous and willing to take a chance like me if you’re not living with your toes hanging over the edge and not living and I don’t live with what ifs and my book everyone’s got a number when it’s time it’s time don’t be afraid to try new things as you always going to wonder what if and that’s not a great feeling so diving no pun intended discover create make memories have fun and discovering new things about old things is amazing congrats on the find!