An Israeli scuba diver discovered an ancient Crusader sword dating off the country’s Mediterranean coast.
The man was on a weekend dive in northern Israel when he discovered a cache of ancient relics, including anchors, ceramics, and a meter-long (yard-long) sword, according to Israel’s Antiquities Authority.
When the diver made the discovery, he was around 150 meters (170 yards) off the coast in five-meter-deep (5.5-yard-deep) water.
According to experts, the location served as a haven for ancient ships. It is home to numerous archaeological artifacts, some of which date back 4,000 years. However, due to the continually shifting sands, such finds can be difficult to come by.
The diver was fearing that his finding would bury and go to waste. Thus, he brought the sword onshore and handed it over to government experts, according to the authorities. The ancient Crusader sword is likely to be around 900 years old.
“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.”
The authorities will clean and analyze the sword further. The diver, Shlomi Katzin, will receive a certificate of gratitude for his excellent citizenship.