Israeli scuba diver discovers ancient Crusader sword
An Israeli scuba diver has salvaged an ancient sword off the country’s Mediterranean coast that experts say dates back to the Crusaders.
[Oct 22, 2021: The Brighter Side of News]
Jacob Sharvit, director of the Marine Archaeology Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority holds a meter-long (yard-long) sword, that experts say dates back to the Crusaders is on display in Mediterranean seaport of Cesarea, Israel. (Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
An Israeli scuba diver has salvaged an ancient sword off the country's Mediterranean coast that experts say dates back to the Crusaders.
Israel's Antiquities Authority said Monday the man was on a weekend dive in northern Israel when he spotted a trove of ancient artifacts that included anchors, pottery and a meter-long (yard-long) sword.
The diver was about 150 meters (170 yards) off the coast in five-meter-deep (5.5-yard-deep) water when he made the discovery.
Experts say the area provided shelter for ancient ships and is home to many archaeological treasures, some dating back 4,000 years. But such discoveries can be elusive because of the constantly shifting sands.
Jacob Sharvit, director of the Marine Archaeology Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority holds a meter-long (yard-long) sword, that experts say dates back to the Crusaders is on display in Mediterranean seaport of Cesarea, Israel. (Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Fearing his discovery might be buried, the diver took the sword ashore and delivered it to government experts, the authority said. The weapon is estimated to be 900 years old.
Related Stories
"It was found encrusted with marine organisms, but is apparently made of iron," said Nir Distelfeld, an inspector in the authority's robbery prevention unit. "It is exciting to encounter such a personal object, taking you 900 years back in time to a different era, with knights, armor and swords."
A meter-long (yard-long) sword, that experts say dates back to the Crusaders is on display in the Mediterranean seaport of Cesarea, Israel. (Credit: AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
The sword is to be cleaned and further analyzed, while the diver, identified as Shlomi Katzin, was given a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship.
Like these kind of feel good stories? Get the Brighter Side of News' newsletter.
Tags: #New_Discoveries, #Global_Good_News, #Israel, #Sword, #Antiquities, #Archeology, #Historic_Find, #The_Brighter_Side_of_News
Joseph Shavit
Science News Writer, Editor-At-Large and Publisher
Joseph Shavit, based in Los Angeles, is a seasoned science journalist, editor and co-founder of The Brighter Side of News, where he transforms complex discoveries into clear, engaging stories for general readers. With experience at major media groups like Times Mirror and Tribune, he writes with both authority and curiosity. His work spans astronomy, physics, quantum mechanics, climate change, artificial intelligence, health, and medicine. Known for linking breakthroughs to real-world markets, he highlights how research transitions into products and industries that shape daily life.