Amateur diver discovers centuries-old Crusader sword in Mediterranean Sea
Global News
The metre-long relic, encrusted with marine organisms, is believed to be about 900 years old.
A sword believed to have belonged to a Crusader who sailed to the Holy Land almost a millennium ago has been recovered from the Mediterranean seabed thanks to an eagle-eyed amateur diver, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said.
Though encrusted with marine organisms, the metre-long blade, hilt and handle were distinctive enough to notice after undercurrents apparently shifted sands that had concealed it.
The location, a natural cove near the port city of Haifa, suggested it had served as a shelter for seafarers, said Koby Sharvit, director of the authority’s marine archaeology unit.
“These conditions have attracted merchant ships down the ages, leaving behind rich archaeological finds,” he said.
The sword, believed to be about 900 years old, will be put on display after it has been cleaned and restored.
The blade was discovered by scuba diver Shlomi Katzin on the seabed along the Carmel coast, said the IAA.
After seeing stone and metal anchors, Katzin looked closer and saw the sword. He turned the ancient weapon over to the IAA and was awarded a certificate of good citizenship, reports the Times of Israel.
“The sword, which has been preserved in perfect condition, is a beautiful and rare find and evidently belonged to a Crusader knight,” said Nir Distelfeld, inspector for the IAA’s Robbery Prevention Unit.
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