Ongoing underwater excavations off the coast of Adrasan, Antalya, have brought to light a unique collection revealing the culinary culture and trade secrets of the ancient world. In a discovery announced by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism, 122 ceramic artifacts dating back approximately 2,100 years were successfully recovered [1]. These items, including plates, bowls, and trays of various sizes, were retrieved from depths of 42 to 55 meters using underwater robotic systems.
A Miracle of Preservation in Crates
The reason these artifacts reached the present day in near-pristine condition lies in the meticulous packaging methods of antiquity. Archaeologists determined that the ceramics were placed in specialized crates during loading, with layers of clay positioned between them to prevent damage. This method protected the items from breakage for thousands of years in the depths of the Mediterranean. The finds are evaluated to be linked to the region of modern-day Arsuz, known in antiquity as Rhosus.
Traces in Cicero's Letters
A detail that makes the discovery even more intriguing is its connection to written history. Minister Ersoy stated that these ceramics bear similarities to items mentioned in the letters of the famous Roman orator Cicero to his friend Atticus. This suggests that the commercial activities in the region were not merely local but part of an extensive network reaching the Roman aristocracy. Recent archaeological discoveries across Turkey, such as the 6,000-year-old temple finds in Elazığ, continue to prove Anatolia's productive power across different eras [5].
Silent Witnesses of Mediterranean Trade
This work in Adrasan is of great importance in demonstrating Anatolia's production capacity in antiquity and the historical depth of Mediterranean trade. Underwater excavations reveal not only shipwrecks but also 'time capsules' containing the finest details of daily life from that period. The operations in the region are expected to continue illuminating the unknowns of ancient Mediterranean routes. For additional sources and further reading strengthening this context, see [2] [3].
Sources and further reading
- [1] Adrasan'da 2100 yıllık seramik eserler keşfedildi
- [2] 10 bin yıllık eserler keşfedildi! - Timeturk
- [3] 10 bin yıllık eserler keşfedildi! - Timeturk
- [5] Türkiye’de bir ilk: 6 bin yıllık tapınak keşfedildi
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