The remains of the ancient ship in the world can be seen in the shipwreck museum, which is located in the old harbour of Kyrenia, occupying one of the rooms in Kyrenia castle. Estimated to be 2300 years old, the wreck is the most ancient to have been recovered from the seabed. In 1965 a local diver noticed a shipwreck lying in 30 meters of water about 1.6 kilometers off the coast of north east of Kyrenia. His discovery resulted in a major expedition of recovery by the University of Pennsylvania. The wreck was carefully excavated and photographed in great detail before being raised to the surface. The ships cargo included more than 400 amphorae from the islands of Rhodes and Samos. Archeologists conducted analyzes of almonds and other contents of the vessel, and discovered that ship most probably sank in 288 BC. Analysis of timber and its condition suggest that the ship was built in 389 BC, and the ship sailed for 80 years before its last journey.
Approximately in 228 BC the ship loaded with millstones and amphorae, sailed from the harbor of Kyrenia. The reason behind the sinking was either sea storm or the attack of pirates. According to scientists, the ship’s crew consisted of four people at the moment of sinking. The main meals on board were almonds and fish. The skeletons of the crew were also found.
The hull, built in pine, was 15 meters long. Work on the restoration of the ship began in 1970 and lasted for several years. Scientists at Pennsylvania State University made huge contribution helping to discover about the history of the vessel, as well help to display it in Kyrenia Castle. In the museum the tourists can also admire the photos of the lifting process of the ship from the seabed.
Visiting Shipwreck Museum, visitors can see not only the oldest merchant ship, but also many other fascinating artifacts that were on board the submerged vessel.
