3,600-year-old bronze dagger unearthed in Mediterranean Sea near Türkiye’s Antalya

In a remarkable underwater excavation near Antalya’s Kumluca district, archaeologists have discovered a 3,600-year-old bronze dagger with silver rivets, believed to be linked to the ancient Cretan-Minos civilization.

This extraordinary find is expected to become a landmark in both Türkiye’s and global underwater archaeology.

Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, announced the discovery on social media, highlighting its global importance.

“This 3,600-year-old relic, found deep within the Mediterranean, is poised to become one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries in the world,” Ersoy said.

Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast unveils 3,600-year-old bronze dagger

He also praised the teams from Akdeniz University and the Directorate of Excavations and Research for their meticulous efforts in unearthing this ancient treasure.

The bronze dagger, a testament to the craftsmanship of the Cretan-Minos civilization, had been concealed beneath the Mediterranean for centuries.

Ersoy shared footage of the dagger’s recovery, illustrating the precision required in such operations.

This discovery not only enriches our understanding of ancient Mediterranean civilizations but also underscores Türkiye’s significance in global archaeology.

As further studies are conducted on the bronze dagger, it promises to offer new insights into the ancient world, solidifying its place as a major archaeological treasure.