A Major Discovery in the Depths of the Aegean: 1,500-Year-Old Merchant Shipwreck Unearthed!Off the coast of Ayvalık, Balıkesir, a 1,500-year-old merchant shipwreck of great significance to underwater archaeology has been discovered. Conducted under Dokuz Eylül University's Center for Underwater Cultural Heritage and Maritime History Research (SUDEMER) as part of the "Turkish Shipwreck Inventory Project: Blue Heritage," this find is now recognized as the largest plate shipwreck in the Aegean and Mediterranean.The expedition, led by SUDEMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Özdaş, utilized domestically produced robotic underwater vehicles to locate the wreck at a depth of 43 meters, approximately 2.5 miles off Ayvalık’s coast. Dated to the late 5th century AD, the wreck contains around 10,000 ceramic plates, remarkably well-preserved due to its location in open waters.The Largest Plate Shipwreck in the Aegean
The shipwreck is expected to shed new light on ancient maritime trade in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Photogrammetric studies revealed that the ceramic plates likely originated from North Africa or Cyprus, and the vessel was en route to Istanbul when it likely sank during a storm.The ship, measuring 15 meters in length and 9 meters in width, is notable for its size and type. This discovery is key to understanding the scope of trade networks in the region during antiquity.A Future Museum Prospect
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özdaş emphasized that this discovery is not only a scientific breakthrough but also a significant cultural gain. He noted that the artifacts recovered are diverse and abundant enough to potentially establish a dedicated museum in the future.This discovery highlights Turkey’s advancements in underwater archaeology and promises to unveil critical insights into the history of the Aegean and Mediterranean. SUDEMER’s team plans to expand their efforts in the region, aiming to uncover more secrets of ancient maritime trade.
The shipwreck is expected to shed new light on ancient maritime trade in the Aegean and Mediterranean. Photogrammetric studies revealed that the ceramic plates likely originated from North Africa or Cyprus, and the vessel was en route to Istanbul when it likely sank during a storm.The ship, measuring 15 meters in length and 9 meters in width, is notable for its size and type. This discovery is key to understanding the scope of trade networks in the region during antiquity.A Future Museum Prospect
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özdaş emphasized that this discovery is not only a scientific breakthrough but also a significant cultural gain. He noted that the artifacts recovered are diverse and abundant enough to potentially establish a dedicated museum in the future.This discovery highlights Turkey’s advancements in underwater archaeology and promises to unveil critical insights into the history of the Aegean and Mediterranean. SUDEMER’s team plans to expand their efforts in the region, aiming to uncover more secrets of ancient maritime trade.