A remarkable archaeological discovery has been made off the coast of Turkey, where a 2,000-year-old shipwreck has been found laden with well-preserved ancient ceramics. This significant find, known as the Ceramic Wreck, dates back to the Late Hellenistic and Early Roman periods, specifically between the second century B.C. and the first century A.D. The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced this groundbreaking discovery on June 28.

Located approximately 150 feet below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea near Antalya Province, the shipwreck has yielded hundreds of ceramics, including plates and bowls. Despite some chipping, many of these artifacts have retained their original appearance, offering a unique glimpse into ancient maritime trade practices. The discovery was made even more notable by the participation of Turkish cultural minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, who joined underwater archaeologists in examining the site.

Minister Ersoy highlighted the exceptional preservation of these artifacts, attributing their survival to the careful packing techniques used by ancient traders. The ceramics were coated with raw clay and nested together, which helped protect them during transport. As a result, these items have reached modern times with their original deep red colors and surface features intact.

The minister emphasized the importance of this discovery not only for Turkey but also for global cultural heritage. The find provides valuable insights into ancient production and packaging techniques. Ersoy also noted that there are at least 400 shipwrecks along Turkey’s coast from Patara to Mersin, presenting significant opportunities for both scientific research and tourism.

This discovery adds to a series of recent shipwreck finds worldwide, including a 16th-century shipwreck announced by French officials and the identification of Captain James Cook’s legendary ship’s location in Newport, Rhode Island by Australian researchers.