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.
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.
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
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.
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.
