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4700-Year-Old Sticky Substance Discovered in Ancient Shipwreck off Mediterranean Coast
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News18•15-10-2026, 19:49
4700-Year-Old Sticky Substance Discovered in Ancient Shipwreck off Mediterranean Coast
- •Researchers discovered the wreckage of a merchant ship dating back 4,400 to 4,700 years in the Early Bronze Age near Kekova Island.
- •Divers recovered rare clay pots known as amphorae containing a mysterious, thick, and sticky residue from 30 meters underwater.
- •Scientists believe the sticky substance could be precious ancient trade goods like olive oil, vintage wine, or rare cedar tree resin used for mummies.
- •This find breaks the record of the 4,200-year-old ship found off Dokos in Greece, making it the oldest known sunken ship discovery in the world.
- •Chemical analysis of the organic formula may unlock ancient packaging methods and secrets related to medicines and environmental safety.
Key Questions Answered
The wreckage of the ancient merchant ship was found in shallow waters near Kekova Island, close to Antalya.
Divers recovered large clay pots called amphorae and three heavy stone anchors from the underwater rocks.
The pots contained a very sticky, thick, and shiny residue, which researchers believe could be precious ancient trade goods like olive oil, vintage wine, or rare cedar resin.
