Mud Preserves 2,100-Year-Old Tableware Found in Shipwreck off Turkey

Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced an underwater archaeological discovery involving thousands of fine ceramic vessels recovered from an ancient merchant shipwreck.

The ship sank some 2,100 years ago off the Turkish coast. Its cargo included tableware that remained on the seabed until its recovery.

Mud helped preserve the ceramics, shielding the objects during their long period underwater. The find brings to light a substantial collection of fine pottery carried aboard the vessel.

The ministry described the discovery as exceptional. The brief announcement did not specify the wreck’s exact location or provide further details about the recovered vessels.