Godawaya: The Oldest Shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific | National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka

Archaeological Discovery

A 2,000 Year Old Maritime Mystery

2nd Century BCE
Dating confirmed

Asia-Pacific
Oldest known wreck

Discovered in 2003 off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Godawaya shipwreck dates back to the 2nd century BCE, making it the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region.

Ancient Trade Connections

This remarkable archaeological find provides a rare glimpse into ancient maritime trade routes that connected Sri Lanka to Rome, China, and the Middle East. The vessel, likely an Indian or South Asian trading ship, was carrying a cargo that included hundreds of glass ingots and metal artifacts.

Follow the journey of discovery from the initial finding to the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve this invaluable piece of maritime heritage.

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Underwater Archaeology

Archaeological Timeline

Discovery Timeline

The remarkable journey of uncovering Sri Lanka's oldest shipwreck

20+ Years
Research Period

International
Collaboration

Historic
Discovery

2003

Initial Discovery

German archaeologist Dr. Osmund Bopearachchi and Sri Lankan archaeologist Dr. Senarath Dissanayake conducted an exploratory dive near Godawaya ancient port and discovered stone artifacts believed to be part of a shipwreck.

Key Discovery

First archaeological evidence of an ancient shipwreck in southern Sri Lankan waters, located near the historically significant Godawaya port.

2008

Preliminary Survey

The Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund conducted a preliminary survey of the site, mapping the wreck and documenting visible artifacts. The team confirmed the presence of a shipwreck with significant archaeological value.

Site Mapping

Comprehensive underwater survey established the wreck's boundaries and identified priority areas for excavation.

2010-2012

Excavation Begins

A joint Sri Lankan-German team began systematic excavation of the site, recovering glass ingots, pottery, and metal artifacts. Initial carbon dating suggested the wreck was approximately 2,000 years old.

Major Finds

Hundreds of glass ingots, pottery sherds, and metal objects recovered during the first systematic excavation phase.

2013-2014

Dating Confirmation

Advanced radiocarbon dating confirmed the wreck dates to approximately the 2nd century BCE, making it the oldest shipwreck discovered in the Asia-Pacific region and providing evidence of ancient Indo-Roman trade connections.

Historic Significance

Officially recognized as the oldest shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region, dating to 2nd century BCE.

2015-2019

Ongoing Research

Continued excavation and research revealed more about the ship's construction, cargo, and trading route. Analysis of artifacts provided insights into ancient glassmaking technology and maritime trade networks.

Trade Route Analysis

Scientific analysis revealed connections to ancient Roman glass production and Indo-Pacific trade networks.

2020-Present

Conservation Efforts

Ongoing conservation work focuses on preserving recovered artifacts and monitoring the wreck site. The Godawaya shipwreck is now recognized as one of the most significant maritime archaeological discoveries in South Asia.

Preservation

Artifacts are being conserved and displayed at the Maritime Archaeology Museum, with ongoing site monitoring.

Archaeological Treasures

Notable Artifacts

Discover the remarkable objects recovered from the ancient vessel

500+
Glass Ingots

100+
Tools & Objects

Preserved
In Museum

Glass Ingots

Several hundred raw glass ingots were found at the wreck site, suggesting the ship was carrying materials for glassmaking. Chemical analysis links these to known Roman-era glass production techniques.

Black and Red Ware Pottery

Several intact pottery vessels of the black and red ware type, characteristic of South Asian pottery from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE, providing crucial dating evidence.

Stone Grinding Tools

Several stone querns and grinding stones were recovered, indicating food preparation methods aboard the vessel or possibly cargo items for trade.

Metal Objects

Iron nails, copper-alloy objects, and lead pieces that likely represent ship components, trading goods, or personal possessions of the crew.

Ship Timber Remains

Small fragments of the original wooden hull, preserved in the underwater environment, providing clues about ancient shipbuilding techniques in the Indian Ocean region.

Research Team

Excavation Team

Meet the dedicated archaeologists and researchers behind this remarkable discovery

International
Collaboration

Academic
Excellence

Underwater
Expertise

Dr. Osmund Bopearachchi

Lead Archaeologist

French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris

Dr. Senarath Dissanayake

Director General

Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka

Rasika Muthucumarana

Maritime Archaeologist

Maritime Archaeology Unit, Central Cultural Fund

References & Further Reading

Academic publications and research papers on the Godawaya discovery

Bopearachchi, O., & Dissanayake, S. (2013)

The Godawaya Ancient Harbour: New Archaeological Evidence of the Sri Lankan Maritime Landscape. Journal of Maritime Archaeology, 8(1), 23-41.

Muthucumarana, R., Gaur, A. S., Chandraratne, W. M., Manders, M., Rao, B. R., Bhushan, R., & Khedekar, V. D. (2014)

An early historic assemblage offshore of Godawaya, Sri Lanka: evidence for early regional seafaring in South Asia. Journal of Maritime Archaeology, 9(1), 41-58.

Rougeulle, A. (2015)

The Sharma horizon: Sgraffiato wares and other glazed ceramics of the Indian Ocean trade (c. AD 980–1140). Proceedings of the Seminar for Arabian Studies, 45, 223-238.

Tripati, S., & Gaur, A. S. (2017)

Ancient maritime trade of the eastern Indian littoral. Current Science, 100(7), 1076-1086.

Weerakkody, D. P. M. (1997)

Taprobanê: Ancient Sri Lanka as known to Greeks and Romans. Brepols Publishers.

Godawaya