A remarkably well-preserved shipwreck dating from the Late Hellenistic-Early Roman period has been discovered off the coast of Antalya at a depth of 33-46 meters near Adrasan in the Kumluca region. It is a groundbreaking discovery in global underwater archaeology, with a cargo of ceramic vessels (plates, cups and trays) almost untouched after 2,000 years under the sea.
The “Wreck of the Pottery” carried a cargo of hundreds of pieces of Eastern Roman terra sigillata pottery, a class of fine red-glazed tableware widely produced in the Mediterranean. The discovery of these remarkably intact pottery vessels, in about 25 different designs, has thrilled the scientific community.
The pottery was carefully coated with raw clay as a protective layer for safe transport and stacked on top of each other. This ancient technique helped preserve it in near-perfect condition under layers of sand for nearly 2,000 years. The Pottery Wreck is considered unparalleled worldwide for its exceptional preservation.
Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, who made a special dive to inspect the wreck, said: “The plates and bowls have survived with their original color and texture, offering valuable information about production and packaging techniques 2,000 years ago.” Ersoy described the wreck as “a discovery of immense value not only for Turkey but also for the common world cultural heritage” and said the objects are now being meticulously preserved at the regional Restoration and Conservation Laboratory.
New Museum to Present Underwater History
In an effort to share the remarkable discovery of the Shipwreck with the rest of the world, Turkey will establish a special Mediterranean Museum of Underwater Archaeology in the Kemer-Idyroz region. In addition, the Antalya Archaeological Museum remained open until 10 p.m. this summer as part of the Night Museums project. A section of the Museum will be dedicated to underwater archaeology, enhancing visitor engagement and improving their guidance.
Since 2025, Turkey has launched four presidential decree excavations, three museum-sponsored underwater excavations, and three additional underwater research expeditions, establishing a systematic and sustainable approach to marine archaeology.
