Uluburun Shipwreck Discovered by Chance by Sponge Diver

In 1982, a sponge diver’s chance discovery led archaeologists to undertake an extensive excavation project at the Uluburun shipwreck site, involving a total of 22,000 dives.

The 3,300-year-old shipwreck, located off the coast of Kaş, was initially found by a diver, according to the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA), who carried out the excavation.

Underwater archaeologists spent eleven seasons, between 1984 and 1994, excavating the site, as stated by the INA.

Underwater archaeology presents a unique set of challenges, including the preservation of artifacts in the water, and the unpredictable factors of weather, tides, and marine life.

The excavation of the wreck spanned 10 years, with a total working time accumulating to three to four months, according to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which houses a collection of artifacts from the shipwreck alongside other notable finds.

During their excavations, archaeologists recovered over 18,000 artifacts dating back to the Late Bronze Age, as reported by the INA.

The ship carried a diverse cargo, including copper and tin ingots, pottery, and luxurious items like carved ivory containers and jewelry crafted from gold and semi-precious stones, according to the INA.

Many of the jewelry pieces found at the site were of Egyptian origin, including a gold disk-shaped pendant, faience beads, ostrich eggshell beads, silver bracelets, and more, as documented on the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology’s website.

Other objects recovered from the ship included elephant tusks, weapons, galley wares, balance weights, and musical instruments, as reported by the INA.

The excavation also yielded 24 stone anchors, and a small portion of the damaged cedarwood hull, according to the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

The Uluburun shipwreck has been a subject of extensive study and research, as well as a popular tourist attraction at the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Turkey.

The museum features a dedicated exhibit showcasing the Uluburun shipwreck, including a life-size replica of the ship.

According to the museum, the ship measured 15 meters in length and is estimated to have carried up to 20 tons of cargo.