Ancient Shipwreck Found Off Israel’s Coast Reveals Mysterious Blend of Christian and Islamic Symbols—What Secrets Could It Hold?
Who knew a 1,300-year-old shipwreck off the Israeli coast could turn into such a cultural cocktail party? Picture this: a massive seventh-century vessel, lumbering and beautifully preserved beneath layers of sand, carrying what amounts to the largest stash of Byzantine and early Islamic pottery ever found in Israel. And not just any pottery—103 Greco-Roman amphorae brimming with figs, olives, and raisins, all inscribed with both Greek and Arabic writing. Plus, scattered Christian crosses and the name of Allah carved into the ship’s wood, like a 7th-century “you shall not pass” sign for history buffs. This serendipitous treasure trove, uncovered by some kibbutzniks doing their seaside stroll, is rewriting the dusty old textbook notion that commerce between Byzantine and Islamic worlds slammed on the brakes during their transition. Oh, and did I mention the ship itself? Its Egyptian “shell-first” construction is like finding a missing Lego piece in the history of shipbuilding. So, what else will this time-traveling timber tell us once the dust—or rather, the sand—finally settles? Dive in and discover how this shipwreck’s story is a whole new chapter in Mediterranean mysteries. LEARN MORE
The seventh-century ship held the largest collection of Byzantine and early Islamic pottery ever found in Israel.
University of Haifa, Institute for Maritime StudiesThe ship’s method of construction differed greatly from popular approaches of prior centuries, giving experts insight into the transitional period between Byzantine and Islamic rule.
In 2015, two members of an Israeli kibbutz near Haifa spotted some intriguing wreckage off the coast. The ship was rapidly retaken by sand until the University of Haifa managed to launch excavations in 2016.
Not only was the ship 1,300 years old, but it had both Christian and Muslim inscriptions within.
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