The mystery surrounding a Bronze Age shipwreck off the coast of Turkey has been unraveled, shedding light on the curious absence of structural remains or wood fragments typically associated with such discoveries. Instead, the wreckage consists solely of copper bars strewn across the seabed, offering clues to the vessel's ill-fated journey.
Underwater surveys conducted by the Nicolaus Copernicus University in ToruĊ reveal that the ship, believed to have been departing from the Bay of Antalya into the open sea, met a tragic end, likely colliding with rocks and sinking swiftly. As a result, the heavy cargo of copper bars spilled along a submerged slope, scattering at various depths.
Some bars lie at a depth of 35 meters, while others are situated deeper at 50 meters, hinting at the extent of the vessel's dispersal. However, the dive team speculates that additional cargo may be located at even greater depths.
The discovery thus far includes 30 copper bars, intended for bronze production, along with fragments of bronze vessels. The absence of physical evidence of the ship itself is attributed to the voracious appetite of the ship borer, which rapidly consumes any exposed wooden components in saltwater environments.
Remarkably, this vessel is believed to be the oldest known example of transporting copper bars, with preliminary dating placing its origins around 1500 BC. This revelation provides valuable insights into ancient maritime trade routes and the significance of copper in Bronze Age commerce.
