Top 3 Oldest Sunken Ships Discovered

This ancient shipwreck dates back to around 1300 BC and was discovered off the coast of Turkey in 1982. The wreck is considered one of the oldest and most significant finds from the Bronze Age, providing valuable insights into the maritime trade routes of the time. The Uluburun Shipwreck contains a vast array of artifacts, including gold, silver, copper, and ceramics worth an estimated $3.4 billion. It was also discovered to have a cargo hold filled with charred remains of trees, suggesting a connection to ancient Greek mythology.

This historic shipwreck sank in the early 1st century BC around 60 BC off the coast of Greece. The wreck was rediscovered in 1900 and has since been extensively excavated, revealing an impressive array of ancient artifacts, including mechanical devices and navigational instruments. The Antikythera Shipwreck is estimated to be over 2,000 years old and held 73 boxes of contents that included coins, ceramics, bronze statues, jewels, and even several intact ships' anchors. This incredible find has shed light on the advanced knowledge of ancient Greek engineers.

This ornate warship sank in Stockholm's archipelago in 1628 due to severe flooding. The Vasa was built during the reign of King Gustav II Adolf and features an impressive array of intricate carvings, sculptures, and even music boxes integrated into its interior. When discovered in 1956 by Swedish engineer J.P. Liljencrantz, it required extensive restoration efforts and is now on display at the Vasa Museum. The ship's preserved condition provides a unique glimpse into the naval architecture and ornamental designs of the Baroque era.