Researchers say a shipwreck discovered off the coast of Turkey may be the oldest ever found. The vessel sank in the Early Bronze Age, and the claim, if confirmed, would push back the known history of seafaring trade by centuries.
The ship was probably carrying jars of olive oil when it went down. Its likely destination, according to the researchers, was the ancient city of Troy. That would link the wreck to one of the most famous trading and cultural centres of the ancient Aegean world.
The finding is described as a claim rather than a settled record, and further analysis will be needed to verify the age and origin of the ship and its cargo. Even so, the discovery offers a rare glimpse into maritime commerce at the dawn of civilisation.