Ancient Crusader Sword Uncovered Off Israeli Coast

A centuries-old sword from the time of the Crusades was discovered by a student swimming off the coast of Haifa, Israel.

The Discovery

Shlomi Katsin, a student at the University of Haifa's Department of Maritime Civilizations, made the remarkable find. He observed divers before spotting the sword protruding from the seafloor off Dor Beach. Katsin promptly reported the discovery to Professor Debi Tsveikal, who then contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority. The authority subsequently authorized the removal of the sword to ensure its preservation.

Examination and Crusader Origin

The three-foot-long blade was transported to a conservation laboratory at the university's Leon Recanati Institute of Maritime Studies. Following this, it underwent a CT scan at Medica Elisha Hospital in Haifa. The scan revealed the sword was designed for one-handed use and likely belonged to a European Crusader warrior. Further analysis indicated a fracture in the blade and significant deterioration of the iron, attributed to centuries of time and marine exposure.

Historical Significance

Dr. Sarah Lantos, a professor at the Department of Maritime Civilizations, underscored the importance of the find. She highlighted the rarity of the discovery, stating it offers valuable insights into the lives of European knights in Israel. Professor Tsveikal added that the artifact enhances the understanding of maritime anchorages and the daily lives of warriors during the Crusades (1095-1291), a pivotal series of military campaigns by Christian knights in the Mediterranean region.