Yassiada Wrecks
This small island, situated in the west of Turgut Reis attracted many scholars to its shores because of the ancient ships sank at the various periods of the history. These dangerous area caused many accidents and became tomb for many ancient ships.
IV. Century Shipwreck
Discovered near the island of Yassiada, 4th century shipwreck was a merchant ship which was built with the Cyprus and oak. During the construction, the planking was put together first, then the frames were nailed. It carried nearly 1100 amphorae of 40 litres. From the pieces of the stem and stem post, the archaeologist calculate that the ship was 20 meters long and with of 8 meters.
The hull of the ship, which was well preserved up to our time due to its existence on the sandy beach, was excavated by George Bass in 1967. The wreck, one the deepest ever scientifically excavated, was lying on the sandy bed at the depth of 36-42 meters. Some of the objects, discovered in wreck, we can mention two pithoi, a funnel and four oil lambs. One of the oil lambs carry the emblem of an Athenian workshop. Due to bad state of preservation, eight coins discovered on the Early Byzantine wreck did not yield an useful information. From the tools, coins and amphorae, we understand that Yassiada ship travelled extensively in the Aegean and Mediterranean, but during the last journey, the ship struck the shallows near the island of Yassiada and sank.
Yassiada Wrecks
This small island, situated in the west of Turgut Reis attracted many scholars to its shores because of the ancient ships sank at the various periods of the history. These dangerous area caused many accidents and became tomb for many ancient ships.
IV. Century Shipwreck
Discovered near the island of Yassiada, 4th century shipwreck was a merchant ship which was built with the Cyprus and oak. During the construction, the planking was put together first, then the frames were nailed. It carried nearly 1100 amphorae of 40 litres. From the pieces of the stem and stem post, the archaeologist calculate that the ship was 20 meters long and with of 8 meters.
The hull of the ship, which was well preserved up to our time due to its existence on the sandy beach, was excavated by George Bass in 1967. The wreck, one the deepest ever scientifically excavated, was lying on the sandy bed at the depth of 36-42 meters. Some of the objects, discovered in wreck, we can mention two pithoi, a funnel and four oil lambs. One of the oil lambs carry the emblem of an Athenian workshop. Due to bad state of preservation, eight coins discovered on the Early Byzantine wreck did not yield an useful information. From the tools, coins and amphorae, we understand that Yassiada ship travelled extensively in the Aegean and Mediterranean, but during the last journey, the ship struck the shallows near the island of Yassiada and sank.
East Roman Wreck
The Byzantine Wreck
The old Spanish chapel now houses the artifacts and finds of 7th century Byzantine ship, discovered near Yassiada. This was a Roman merchant vessel with 900 amphorae. The wreck, discovered at the depth of 36 meters, was excavated from 1961 to 1964 during which archeologist had to dive 3533 times. The result of these digs were published in 1982 after the post excavation studies lasting nearly 18 years. From the pieces discovered, we estimate the ship's dimensions. It was 20 meters long with the width of 5.22 meters and loading capacity was nearly 60 tons. Rear part of the ship was beautifully reconstructed at the former chapel to give idea to the visitors.
Among the objects displayed, visitors enjoy the fishing nets, a harpoon, kitchen utensils and great number of amphorae discovered at Yassiada Wreck. The steelyard with the name of the captain "Giorgios"and the figure of Athena, goddess of Justice is certainly is one of the most interesting pieces of the museum. It is one of the biggest ever discovered up to now.
Also fifteen gold coins and bronze ones which date to time of Heraclitus give us excellent idea about the exact date of this shipwreck.
According to archeologist, the ship was sailing towards the southerly direction possibly towards Kos, Knidos ands Rhodos. From the carpenter tools we understand, ship's carpenter did basic repairs during the voyage. Gold and bronze coins indicate that captain and his staff had enough money to buy food for several months.
Sailing with a strong wind, sailors did not notice the shallow just 1 or 2 meters beneath the surface of the water. The ship hit the rocks and water penetrated into the ship through a big hole opened during the crash. Trying to advance towards the island, the ship sank at nearly 100 meters form the shore.