Archaeological Evidence from the Naval Battle of the Oinousses Islands: 17th-Century Venetian Shipwrecks

Abstract During the underwater archaeological survey as a part of the SHIPT Project, two shipwreck sites were discovered off the western coast of Turkey in 2019. Following short-term excavations and archival research uncovered that these remains were from ships sunk during the naval battle between the Ottoman and Venetian forces at Oinousses island (Koyun Adaları in Turkish) in 1695. High-resolution documentation and excavation provided the first concrete evidence on this little-known naval battle. By examining the remains in both archaeological and historical perspectives, this paper offers insights into the technology, strategy, and political dynamics during the 17th century AD. Oinousses naval battlefield is one of the rare underwater cultural heritage sites that has remained untouched. Therefore, it has significant archeological value as it contains the only surviving remains of a 17th-century warship within the Turkish territorial waters. This site holds considerable importance not only for its historical and archaeological relevance but also as a grave of war.