Oldest Shipwreck in Asia-Pacific
Discovered off Sri Lanka's southern coast, the Godawaya shipwreck is the oldest known shipwreck in the Indian Ocean, dating back over 2,000 years. Resting 33 metres beneath the sea, it reveals rare evidence of ancient trade, seafaring, and cultural exchange across the region.
Archaeological discovery
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.
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.
Archaeological timeline
The remarkable journey of uncovering Sri Lanka's oldest shipwreck
20+ years
Research period
International
Collaboration
Historic
Discovery
2003
Archaeologists 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
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
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
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 recognised as the oldest shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region, dating to the 2nd century BCE.
2015–2019
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.
2020–2026
Ongoing conservation work focuses on preserving recovered artifacts and monitoring the wreck site. The Godawaya shipwreck is now recognised 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.
Geographic discovery
Explore the important sites related to the Godawaya discovery
A historically significant harbour on Sri Lanka's southern coast, central to the wreck's discovery and maritime trade history.
Located approximately 4 km offshore at a depth of 33 metres — the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region.
Recovered artifacts from Godawaya and other maritime excavations are conserved and displayed for public education.
Ancient inscription near the port providing historical context for maritime activity in the region.
Conservation and analysis facilities supporting ongoing study of artifacts from the Godawaya excavation.
Archaeological treasures
Discover the remarkable objects recovered from the ancient vessel
400+
Tools & objects
Preserved
In museum
The pottery found at the Godawaya site shows similarities to those discovered in the excavations at Tissamaharama and Anuradhapura. Evidence belonging to eleven ancient pottery types has been identified across the country; from Godawaya, remnants corresponding to seven of these types have been uncovered.
The grinding stones and hand stones found on the Godawaya ship are evidence of their importance as trade items in ancient Indian Ocean networks. Among the discovered grinding stones and hand stones, approximately five matched pairs can be identified, suggesting these items were specifically used for grinding purposes.
The copper objects from the Godawaya shipwreck represent a unique archaeological resource for understanding ancient metallurgical production and Indian Ocean trade. Archaeological proximity to the Akurugoda smelting site and the Seruwila ore deposit suggests a potential local link; however, current compositional evidence points towards a non-local source.
MuseQR unlocks stories behind museum artifacts — including finds from the Godawaya shipwreck and other maritime excavations over the last three decades.
Explore artifacts on MuseQRResearch team
Meet the dedicated archaeologists and researchers behind this remarkable discovery
International
Collaboration
Academic
Excellence
Underwater
Expertise
Maritime archaeologist
Maritime Archaeology Unit, Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Conservator
Central Cultural Fund
Conservator
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Maritime archaeologist
Central Cultural Fund
Conservator
Central Cultural Fund
Academic publications and research papers on the Godawaya discovery
Discover other shipwrecks and underwater archaeological sites in Sri Lanka's waters through our interactive database.
115
Shipwrecks
2000+
Artifacts
2200+
Years of history
