Researchers from Cornell University have recently published a paper detailing their findings in dating the Hellenistic-era Kyrenia shipwreck, discovered off the north coast of Cyprus in the 1960s. Instead of focusing on the typical sunken treasures, the researchers found thousands of almonds stored in jars among the cargo. By combining the almonds with newly cleaned wood samples and their expertise in modeling and radiocarbon dating, the team was able to date the ship’s sinking to between 296-271 BCE, with a strong likelihood it occurred between 286-272 BCE. This information will be published in the journal PLoS ONE, with the lead author being Sturt Manning, a Distinguished Professor of Arts and Sciences in Classical Archaeology.
The Kyrenia shipwreck has been a significant find, being the first major Greek Hellenistic-period ship to be found intact in 1965. Over the years, the ship and its cargo have provided valuable insights into ancient ship technology, construction practices, and maritime trade. The discovery of the Kyrenia ship shed light on the intense maritime activity in the Mediterranean during that era and highlighted the significance of maritime trade connections across the region. The researchers involved in dating the ship have emphasized the importance of such wrecks as unique time capsules that offer a direct glimpse into the past.
Efforts to date the Kyrenia ship have faced challenges due to artifacts like polyethylene glycol (PEG), which was applied to waterlogged wood for preservation. The petroleum-based compound can contaminate wood samples, making radiocarbon dating impossible. To address this issue, the researchers developed a new method to clean PEG from wood samples, successfully removing 99.9% of the compound. This allowed them to accurately date the samples and provide a more precise timeline for the Kyrenia’s sinking. Additionally, examination of organic materials found on the ship, such as sheep or goat ankle bones and fresh almonds, helped refine the dating process.
The new dating findings for the Kyrenia shipwreck did not align with the existing radiocarbon calibration curve for the period between 350 and 250 BCE. To address this discrepancy, the researchers re-calibrated the curve using known-age tree-ring samples from sequoia and oak trees. This revision not only helped correct inaccuracies in the calibration curve but also provided critical improvements to dating the Kyrenia shipwreck. The revised curve now has broader implications for other research projects across the northern hemisphere, offering a more accurate timeline for events in that period.
The team’s efforts to date the Kyrenia shipwreck have not only shed light on the exact timeline of the ship’s sinking but have also contributed to improvements in radiocarbon calibration dating for the broader scientific community. By combining their expertise in modeling, radiocarbon dating, and organic material analysis, the researchers were able to refine the dating process and provide a more accurate understanding of the ship’s provenance. The findings have implications for future research projects using the radiocarbon calibration curve and highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in archaeological and historical studies.