Underwater explorers surveying the sea off the coast of Turkey, specifically near Cape Bozburun, discovered part of a terracotta statue, which, according to scientists, is quite unique. The researchers hypothesized that this sculpture of a Cypriot deity sank in a shipwreck.
According to renowned archaeologist Harun Ozdas, the statue is sixty centimeters long, but since only its lower portion was discovered, it is estimated that the entire sculpture is approximately one and a half meters tall. This unique find lay for a long time at a depth of approximately 43 meters, and, most interestingly, its estimated age is over 2700 years.
This is the first time such a large-scale terracotta sculpture has been discovered off the coast of the Turkish Republic, and historians say it offers some insight into the culture and trade relations between the peoples of the Mediterranean in ancient times.
In addition, several original amphorae and ceramic tiles dating back to the seventh century BC were found along with the find. Archaeologists confirmed that all of these finds were made in Cyprus and transported by ship to other countries. Exploration of the shipwreck site continues, as archaeologists hope to recover additional artifacts and the upper part of the statue.
