Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A merchant shipwreck off Adrasan, on Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast, carried a cargo dominated by plates and bowls—and many of the ceramics have survived in remarkably good condition. Researchers date the wreck broadly to the Late Hellenistic–Early Roman Imperial period, roughly 2,100 years ago, but its exact sinking year and final destination are not known.
What was on the ship?
The principal cargo was Eastern Sigillata A tableware, a ceramic class identified in the 2023 scholarly account of the wreck. Its researchers describe plates and bowls; later excavation reports include trays and other vessels as well. The recovered forms include plates for nuts, soup bowls, fish plates and trays.
Excavation updates describe the scale in different ways. Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications reported hundreds of objects and 25 ceramic types in July 2025. In September 2026, Anadolu Agency reported thousands of artifacts representing 122 forms and sizes. Those figures refer to different reporting dates and different ways of classifying the finds, so they should not be read as competing totals or as a precise count of every piece.
Researchers attribute the main tableware to Rhosus, present-day Arsuz in Hatay province. Amphorae believed to have come from Aegean islands point to additional production centers. These origins are interpretations reported by researchers, not definitive identifications of every object.
#1 Best Overall
- Height: 22 cm (8.7 in) – Weight: 0.7 kg (1.5 lbs)
- Ceramic amphora, red figure, wheel-thrown, hand-painted, kiln-fired, handmade and hand-painted in Greece
- Historical/mythological/classical theme: Zeus & Ganymede / Achilles & Patroclus
- Decoration only; recommended for display use; not suitable for liquids
- A distinctive decorative ceramic inspired by museum-style ancient Greek pottery traditions.
How old is the Adrasan shipwreck?
The Akdeniz University research record places the wreck in the Late Hellenistic–Early Roman Imperial period. Anadolu Agency describes it as roughly 2,100 years old and reports that coins from Antioch dating to the first century B.C. help researchers establish its age. The evidence supports a broad period, not a particular year in which the ship sank.
The sources also describe different depth measurements. The university record gives a wreck-site depth of 38–46 meters; Anadolu Agency’s 2026 report gives 42–55 meters for ongoing excavation work. These figures have different source descriptions and should not be treated as interchangeable measurements.
Rank #2
- CREATIVE SCRATCH ART ACTIVITY: Engage students with an interactive and artistic project that enhances their understanding of Greek culture through the creation of beautiful scratch art pottery pieces.
- LEARN ABOUT ANCIENT GREECE: Use the included EduCraft guide to gain insight and knowledge about black and red Greek pottery while enjoying a fun, hands-on craft experience as a group.
- LARGE VESSEL DESIGN: Each craft activity allows participants to create impressive life-sized vessels, measuring an impressive 14 inches high and 12 inches wide at the handles, providing ample creative space.
- DURABLE CRAFTING MATERIAL: Made from heavy card stock, these scratch chips ensure durability and robustness, allowing for continuous scratching without tearing, making it a reliable choice for educational settings.
- INCLUSIVITY WITH SUPPLIES: Each pack contains all necessary materials for 24 participants, ensuring everyone can join in the fun, learn together, and create their own unique art pieces celebrating Greek heritage.
How did the dishes survive underwater?
Officials and researchers say the ceramics were packed in wooden crates with clay between the pieces. They describe the packing as protection against breakage during transport and the sinking. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism said the artifacts were being preserved at a regional restoration and conservation laboratory.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The careful packing is the reported explanation for the condition of many objects, rather than proof that it was the only factor in their survival. The tourism agency quoted Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy saying the plates and bowls retained their original colour and surface texture, which he said can inform researchers about ancient production and packaging.
Rank #3
- Ancient Greek Bronze Museum Statue Replica Of Pegasus
- Dimensions: 11x10 cm 4.34x3.95 in / 190gr
- Material: BRONZE
- Color: GREEN/GOLD OXIDATION
- Handmade statue, size and shape may slightly vary
Where was the ship going?
Researchers believe the ship departed from Rhosus and may have been bound for Rome. The 2023 article abstract proposes that it sank after encountering hidden shoals near the coast; later reporting describes a likely encounter with shallow water during a storm. These are reconstructions, not a confirmed itinerary or account of the final moments.
The proposed route fits a wider trade network linking Antioch, the Aegean, Greece and the Italian coast around the middle of the first century B.C. Anadolu Agency also notes that Cicero wrote to Atticus in 50 B.C. that he had ordered ceramic vessels from Rhosus. That reference shows Rhosus wares were known in the Roman world; it does not connect this ship’s cargo to Cicero or his household.
Rank #4
- Dimensions and Weight: Height of 31 cm (12.2 in) with a weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), making it a substantial decorative piece
- Authentic Greek Craftsmanship: Ceramic amphora featuring black figure technique, wheel-thrown, hand-painted, and kiln-fired, handmade in Greece
- Mythological Theme: Depicts the Iliad battle scene over Patroclus body, featuring Achilles and Patroclus in classical Greek style
- Decorative Display Piece: Designed for decoration and display use only, not suitable for holding liquids
- Unique Handcrafted Art: Each piece is individually handmade and hand-painted, therefore slight variations in color and details may occur, making every item unique
What the wreck can—and cannot—tell us
The wreck offers a rare, concentrated look at a merchant cargo dominated by one class of tableware, alongside evidence of vessels from other production centers. Its ceramics, packaging and broad date help researchers study trade and transport in the ancient Mediterranean. The available accounts do not establish a ship name, captain, exact sinking year, definitive destination or total number of pieces.
Recommended Free Tools
Sources: Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications; Anadolu Agency, September 2026; Akdeniz University Research Information System, summarizing the 2023 Journal of Maritime Archaeology article; Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Authentic Mycenaean Marine-Style Design – Inspired by a 1400–1300 BCE krater depicting a stylized octopus, originally exhibited in the British Museum.
- Handmade Greek Ceramic Pottery – Each vase is crafted from high-quality ceramic, replicating the vibrant detail and form of ancient Greek pottery.
- Premium Material & Finish – Made from genuine ceramic, durable and smooth, with water-resistant surface suitable for decorative display.
- Museum-Quality Replica – Faithful reproduction of Mycenaean marine-style motifs, capturing the elegance and maritime artistry of ancient Greece.
- Dimensions (Approx.): Height: 15.5 cm (6.1 inches) Length: 12 cm (4.72 inches) Width: 12 cm (4.72 inches) Weight: 500 gr (1.1 lb)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
