sraeli Scuba Diver Unearths Ancient Crusader Sword in the Mediterranean

During a weekend dive along the northern coast of Israel, a scuba diver stumbled upon a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including a Crusader sword, believed to date back to the medieval Crusades. This significant discovery not only highlights a historical artifact but also opens a window into the life and times of knights and crusaders.

Israeli diver finds 900-year-old crusader sword

Details of the Discovery

Shlomi Katzin was diving off the Carmel coast on Saturday when he discovered the trove of treasures, which Israel’s foreign affairs ministry says included anchors made of metal and ancient stone, pottery fragments and an “impressive sword with a one-meter-long blade and a hilt measuring 30 cm. This area is known to have served as a safe haven for ancient ships and is rich in archaeological treasures, some dating back over 4,000 years.
Israeli Scuba Diver Unearths AncieDiver Shlomi Katzin found the sword about 500 feet off the coast of Haifa.nt Crusader Sword in the Mediterranean
The 3-foot-long blade was discovered among a trove of ancient artifacts that also included anchors and pottery.

Significance of the Find

Concerned that his discovery might be buried by shifting sands, the diver brought the sword ashore and handed it over to the Israel Antiquities Authority. The weapon is estimated to be around 900 years old. According to Nir Distelfeld, an inspector with the authority’s robbery prevention unit, the sword was encrusted with marine organisms but is believed to be made of iron. “It is thrilling to encounter such a personal artifact that transports us 900 years back to a different era filled with knights, armor, and swords,” said Distelfeld

Dr Sharvit of the Israel Antiquities Authority said there was no doubt that the sword was from the Crusades and his team hopes to discover more about its original owner.
Jacob Sharvit, director of the Marine Archaeology Unit of the Israel Antiquities Auth

Cleaning and Analysis

The sword will undergo cleaning and further analysis to ascertain more about its origin and historical context. Meanwhile, the diver, identified as Shlomi Katzin, was recognized with a certificate of appreciation for his good citizenship.
he work of carefully clearing away organisms and sediment encrusting the sword has just begun for members of the IAA’s marine archaeology unit, led by Dr Sharvit.
Diver Shlomi Katzin with the sword. (Nir Disteleld/Israel Antiquities Authority)
This discovery not only enriches the archaeological history of Israel but also contributes to our deeper understanding of the Crusader period. Artifacts like this sword are invaluable windows into the past, and preserving them for future generations is crucial.