3,300-Year-Old Shipwreck Unearthed in Mediterranean
A shipwreck dating back 3,300 years has been discovered in the Mediterranean Sea, about 60 miles off the coast of northern Israel. The cargo, consisting of hundreds of intact amphorae, was found at a depth of 1.1 miles. This find is significant as it is the oldest shipwreck located in deep waters in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The discovery was made during a routine seafloor survey by Energean, a natural gas exploration and production company. The Israel Antiquities Authority identified the amphorae as Late Bronze Age Canaanite storage vessels. Jacob Sharvit, head of the authority’s marine unit, stated that the ship likely sank due to either a storm or piracy, common dangers during that era.
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Energean responded to the discovery by launching a specialized operation to recover sample vessels from the ship. These vessels will be displayed at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, which will offer limited tours showcasing the find.
Dr. Karnit Bahartan, Energean’s environmental lead, noted that their surveys using advanced submersible robots revealed the ancient cargo. “The images sent to the Israel Antiquities Authority turned out to be a sensational discovery,” she said.
This shipwreck challenges previous assumptions about ancient trade, suggesting that mariners of the time were capable of navigating the open sea without a coastal line of sight, likely using celestial navigation. The preservation of the site, undisturbed by human activity, offers a unique opportunity for further research.
Energean CEO Shaul Zemach emphasized the company’s commitment to preserving history, while Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, announced plans to exhibit the artifacts to the public.
