A Bronze Age Cargo: The Kekova Amphorae

Archaeologists found an ancient shipwreck near Kekova Island on the southern coast of Turkey. The team lifted about 30 large clay jars from the sea floor. The jars are called amphorae. Divers also found three stone anchors near the jars.

Experts dated the jars to about 4,400 to 4,700 years ago, in the Early Bronze Age. Some jars still have a dark, glossy residue inside. The residue could be olive oil, wine, or other food. Scientists will run tests to learn what the jars held. People are excited but the work is careful and slow. The find may change what we know about trade in the ancient Mediterranean.