An eagle-eyed Israeli scuba diver has recovered an ancient sword believed to date back to the Crusaders.
An eagle-eyed Israeli scuba diver has salvaged an ancient sword believed to date back to the Crusaders. Israel’s Antiquities Authority reported that, whilst diving off Israel’s Mediterranean coast, the diver spotted a trove of ancient artifacts on the seabed, including anchors, pottery and a meter-long (yard-long) sword. The blade, though encrusted in marine organisms, was distinctive enough to be noticed by the hilt and handle.
The diver was approximately 150 meters (170 yards) off the coast in five-meter-deep (5.5-yard-deep) water when he made the discovery. Located in a natural cove near the port city of Haifa, experts say this area would have provided shelter for ancient ships and is home to many archaeological treasures, some dating back 4,000 years. But such discoveries are rare due to the constantly shifting sands.
Fearing that his treasure may soon disappear, the diver took the sword ashore to government experts, who estimated it to be 900 years old! The sword will be cleaned and further analysed.
The diver, Shlomi Katzin, was awarded a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship.
