'A discovery like no other in the world!' Shipwreck containing 2,000-year-old pottery discovered as scientists left stunned by perfectly preserved objects

The ship's cargo holds an astonishing collection of ceramic ware, bowls, plates, trays and pots, all maintaining their original stacked arrangement.

The artefacts remain in pristine condition, with their designs and colours intact after two millennia underwater.

This exceptional preservation resulted from a protective raw clay coating applied to the ceramics before shipping. The technique created a natural sealant that shielded the items from corrosion and marine erosion.

Turkish culture and tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy personally dived to inspect the wreck and expressed his amazement at the find. "We are facing a discovery like no other in the world," he stated.

"The ceramics embedded inside this cargo ship that is about two thousand years old have reached the present day without even spoiling their patterns," Minister Ersoy explained after examining the site.

He emphasised the broader significance of the discovery, saying: "This is an extremely valuable discovery not only for our country, but also in terms of world cultural heritage."

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An underwater inspection of what has been dubbed the "Ceramic Sink" confirmed the exceptional preservation of the artefacts.

The clay coating technique represents an unprecedented preservation method, having never before been documented on such an extensive scale in archaeological finds.

This innovative approach protected the cargo for over two millennia beneath the Mediterranean.The discovery provides unique insights into ancient maritime commerce and ceramic production methods.

The ship appears to have been transporting consumer goods, with the cargo's pristine arrangement offering researchers valuable information about ancient packaging and logistical practices.

The Adrasan wreck is one of more than 400 shipwrecks identified between the ancient city of Patara and Mersin.

This concentration of vessels demonstrates the extensive maritime trade networks that operated throughout the eastern Mediterranean during antiquity.