Archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable shipwreck off Türkiye’s western coast, dating back 1,500 years to the fifth century C.E. The merchant vessel, lying 141 feet beneath the surface of the northern Aegean Sea, was laden with an astonishing cargo of 10,000 ceramic plates — the largest such find in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

The discovery, part of the Blue Heritage Underwater Research Project led by Dokuz Eylül University, also revealed a small number of amphorae among the artifacts. These findings illuminate ancient trade routes and connections spanning regions like Cyprus, North Africa, Egypt, and Syria.

Rediscovering an Ancient Vessel

The shipwreck was uncovered roughly 2.5 miles off the coast of Ayvalık, Türkiye, using advanced sonar and underwater robotics. This technology enabled the team to detect anomalies on the seafloor, leading to the wreck’s location.

“We dived into these anomalies with our high-tech devices and located the wreck. This discovery was made possible thanks to our advanced robotic systems because it is approximately 2.5 miles offshore at a depth of 43 meters,” said Associate Professor Dr. Harun Özdaş, Director of SUDEMER.

After pinpointing the site, divers descended to examine the shipwreck, marking the first human presence at the site since the vessel sank more than 1,500 years ago.

Artifacts That Reveal Ancient Trade Networks

The most striking feature of the Ayvalık wreck is the sheer volume and arrangement of its ceramic plates. The plates were stacked in clusters of 15–20, forming a large pile that stood out from typical amphorae-laden wrecks.

“We found the largest plate wreck known in the Aegean and Mediterranean to date,” Dr. Özdaş noted.

Amphorae — oval storage containers used to transport goods like oil, wine, and grains — were also present in smaller quantities. Together, these artifacts suggest the ship was transporting its cargo across the Aegean when it succumbed to a storm.

Insights into Ancient Maritime Trade

Analysis of the ceramics indicates the ship likely facilitated trade between various regions, including Anatolia, Greece, and Italy. The wreck underscores the complexity of ancient maritime trade networks, which linked distant parts of the Mediterranean and facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and technology.

The ship’s demise, though tragic, preserved its cargo in an untouched state, providing researchers with an unparalleled glimpse into the ancient world.

Future Exploration and Study

The Ayvalık wreck represents just one piece of Türkiye’s rich underwater cultural heritage. As excavations continue, researchers hope to uncover more about the ship’s origins, its journey, and the people who relied on these vital trade routes.

With cutting-edge technology and meticulous research, the mysteries of the Aegean’s ancient past are slowly being brought to light.