Uluburun

The Uluburun shipwreck is one of the most significant Bronze Age shipwrecks ever discovered. It sank off the coast of Turkey, near the Cape of Uluburun, sometime in the late 14th century BCE. The wreck was found in 1982 by a local sponge diver and subsequent underwater excavations, led by Professor George Bass and later Dr. Cemal Pulak, revealed an astonishing cargo.

The vessel itself was approximately 15 meters long and likely carried a crew of between 10 and 20 people. The cargo was incredibly diverse, suggesting it was a merchant vessel engaged in extensive international trade. Among the most notable items recovered were over 350 copper ingots, 140 tin ingots, and a large quantity of terebinth resin, likely used for wine or perfume. Also found were artifacts from various cultures, including Egyptian, Mycenaean, Cypriot, and even Canaanite objects.

The Uluburun shipwreck has provided invaluable insights into Bronze Age trade networks, shipbuilding technology, and the daily lives of people during that period. The sheer variety and origin of the goods point to a highly interconnected Mediterranean world. The preservation of organic materials, such as ebony logs, ivory, and even foodstuffs, has also been remarkable. The wreck site, now a protected underwater archaeological park, continues to be a vital source of information for researchers.