Ancient shipwreck and 44 tons of artifacts found off the coast of Israel

The wreck of an Roman ancient shipwreck from 1,800 years ago, which was carrying a cargo of marble columns, is being explored by researchers off the coast of Israel.

The unusual, though coincidental, discovery was made in Israel. A scuba diver, while diving in the Mediterranean Sea, found the ancient wreck, of which he then notified the local authorities. Closer inspection determined that the shipwreck was about 1,800 years old and was carrying a cargo of marble columns.

-- Advertisement --

The elusive shipwreck

Interestingly, archaeologists were aware of the existence of the wreck, but could not trace its exact location. All because of the tides, which covered the site with a layer of sand every now and then, effectively protecting it from examination. According to the researchers, the strong storms that hit the Israeli coast probably exposed the wreck once again.

In an official statement, a representative of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said that among other things, Corinthian columns decorated with floral patterns and capitals (the upper finial of a column) were found on the wreck. The marble columns measure about 6 meters in length, and specialists estimated the total weight of the artifacts carried at 44 tons.

Based on available data, archaeologists also determined the size of the ship and that it could have carried a cargo of min. 200 tons. Based on the location of the wreck, it seems that the ship may have sailed from Turkey or Greece and headed for Alexandria, in Egypt. According to researchers, it is also the oldest known cargo wreck found in the eastern Mediterranean.

The statement goes on to say the ship likely crashed during a heavy storm. The location of the shipwreck and its angle suggest that the crew dropped anchor in an effort to prevent it from running into shoals.

Such storms are a fairly common occurrence along Israel’s coast. In turn, due to limited maneuverability, ships were often pulled into shoals where they were wrecked, said Koby Sharvit, director of the underwater archaeology unit at the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Important clue

The discovered archaeological site has important scientific value. It turns out that researchers have speculated for many years about how the ancient Romans imported architectural elements. Specifically, the question is whether they were only partially worked, or whether they were fully made before the voyage, instead.

The discovered wreck contained the basic raw material and partially worked elements, which were then already completed at the destination.