Shipwrecked 1,200 years ago found in Israel

Published on 09/23/2022 11:38

(credit: R. Levinson)

A ship that sank more than 1,200 years ago has been found by two amateur divers off the coast of the Maagan Michael community in Israel. According to the University of Haifa in Israel, the ship was a merchant ship. However, scientists have not yet been able to determine the cause of the drowning.

The ship is about 20 meters long and five meters high and dates back to the period between the seventh and eighth centuries. The ship is three meters deep, buried under 1.5 meters of sand.

According to the researchers, the discovery is significant because it shows that the West dealt with the Byzantine Empire even after losing control of part of the territory to Arab rule.

The Byzantine Empire lasted 11 centuries and was an extension of the Roman Empire in the East. The empire ended in 1453 with the occupation of the region by Islamic forces.

Ship remains in good condition. Next to the wreckage was found a large ceramic ensemble consisting of a complete amphora, as well as jugs, bowls, kitchen utensils and shards.