Israel: Discovery of the Oldest “Ghost Ship Treasure” in the Eastern Mediterranean

A recent archaeological discovery has shocked the research community: a 3,300-year-old “ghost ship” has been found off the coast of Israel. This ship, filled with cargo, promises to alter our current understanding of ancient maritime history. Dating back to the 13th century BCE, it is the oldest shipwreck ever found in the deep waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Two of the ancient vases from the “ghost ship” were brought to the surface for study, still intact – Photo: ISRAEL ANTIQUES AUTHORITY

Discovery and historical significance

According to Sci-News, Dr. Jacob Sharvit, head of the Marine Archaeology Unit at the Israel Antiquities Authority, has hailed this as a world-class discovery. It promises to provide valuable insights that could change what we know about ancient maritime history. The ship, measuring 12-14 meters in length, appears to have sunk during a crisis, possibly due to a storm or a pirate attack, about 90 km off the coast of Israel.
Images from a diving robot show the ship buried in mud – Photo: ISRAEL ANTIQUES AUTHORITY

Dangerous routes and navigational skills

This was an extremely perilous route for ancient sailors, indicating that they must have had special means of navigating the sea. During such ancient times, sailing usually relied on coastal routes. However, this offshore area offered nothing but a horizon. To navigate, they likely used celestial bodies, observing the angles of the Sun and the positions of stars, suggesting that the astronomical knowledge of the people in this area was ahead of its time.
Treasure in the ship. Illustration photo

Treasure beneath the sea

The ship still holds a significant treasure: it is filled with amphorae, ancient jars used to store various items, including goods for long-distance trade. With a history of over 3,300 years, these ancient jars are considered a great treasure. The contents of these jars could provide valuable data about ancient trade activities. This discovery was made during an environmental seabed survey conducted by a team from the London-based natural gas production company Energean.
The ship. Illustration photo

Complex research and potential

Treasure in the ship. Illustration photo
So far, only the top layer of the ship has been studied. The research is quite complex because the ship lies in very deep waters, forcing scientists to use robots for exploration. Currently, archaeologists have discovered a second layer of artifacts beneath the first, indicating that the ship’s structure may be well-preserved under the mud.

The discovery of the 3,300-year-old “ghost ship” off the coast of Israel is not only a significant archaeological achievement but also opens a new chapter in the history of ancient maritime navigation. The secrets held by the ship and its cargo promise to provide valuable information, helping humanity better understand the navigational skills, trade activities, and astronomical knowledge of ancient people. This breakthrough discovery offers new and profound perspectives on a distant historical period.