A groundbreaking study published in the journal PLOS ONE reveals new findings from advanced radiocarbon calibration techniques applied to date the Kyrenia shipwreck.
This ancient Greek merchant vessel was discovered in 1965 off the coast of Cyprus by diver Andreas Cariolu. While searching for sponges, Cariolu stumbled upon a shipwreck that is now considered one of the most significant discoveries for understanding ancient seafaring.
A Treasure Trove Beneath the Sea
More than a hundred amphorae were found on the seabed alongside a 14-meter-long boat equipped with a square sail and, according to researchers, manned by four sailors.
Radiocarbon Dating: A Scientific Breakthrough
Excavations carried out between 1968 and 1969 uncovered 391 amphorae containing goods such as wine, olive oil, and almonds. Initial estimates suggested the ship's last voyage occurred around 300 BC. However, this date did not align with radiocarbon analysis conducted on samples retrieved from the wreck site.
Decades after its initial discovery, a team from Cornell University revisited the timeline, challenging the previously accepted chronology and concluding that the ship sank years later than originally believed.
Earlier studies dated the shipwreck based on ceramic and numismatic artifacts recovered during excavations. However, the new research employed modern techniques such as radiocarbon dating and dendrochronology—analyzing the growth rings of wood used in construction—to refine the timeline.
“We are thrilled to apply scientific techniques to date the famous Kyrenia ship to just under 2,300 years ago. This discovery is crucial for understanding maritime technology and trade in the classical Mediterranean,” stated the study’s lead author.
He further emphasized that the methods used in dating the vessel, along with solutions to various technical challenges encountered, “will now aid in dating other shipwrecks and provide a more accurate historical account of ancient seafaring.”
The Kyrenia Shipwreck: Timeline and Research Progress
Researchers determined that the Kyrenia ship sank between 296 BC and 271 BC, more precisely between 286 BC and 272 BC. During their investigation, scientists faced the challenge of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings used to preserve the ship’s hull remains, which complicated radiocarbon and dendrochronological analyses. By successfully removing the PEG, they obtained more precise data on the ship’s sinking date.
Additionally, researchers discovered that the international radiocarbon calibration curve for the Northern Hemisphere was outdated for the period between approximately 400 BC and 250 BC. To improve the chronological accuracy of ancient structures, they recalibrated this curve using samples from various tree species, marking a significant advancement in chronological research.
This remarkable discovery not only refines our understanding of the Kyrenia shipwreck but also sets a new standard for dating ancient maritime relics, shedding light on the intricate world of ancient seafaring and trade.
