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Ancient vessel reveals intense commercial activity among peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean in antiquity
A 3.300-year-old shipwreck has been discovered 90 kilometers off the coast of Israel, at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel was found at a depth of 1,8 kilometers, a place where only the horizon is visible in all directions. The discovery is considered unprecedented and could rewrite the history of ancient navigation.
First deep-water vessel in the Eastern Mediterranean
According to Dr. Jacob Sharvit, head of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s maritime unit, this is the first and oldest ship found in the depths of the Eastern Mediterranean. “The ship appears to have sunk in a crisis, either due to a storm or an attempted pirate attack,” Sharvit said.
The ship, which was carrying hundreds of Canaanite amphorae, confirms that Late Bronze Age sailors had already mastered techniques for navigating the open sea. The location of the wreck, far from any line of sight from land, suggests that celestial bodies such as the Sun and stars were used to guide voyages.
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Discovery made during environmental studies
The discovery was made by a team from London-based natural gas company Energean. During a routine environmental survey of the seabed using submersible robots, the team spotted an unusual formation. “About a year ago, during a survey, we saw the unusual sight of what appeared to be a large pile of jars piled up on the seabed,” explained Dr Karnit Bahartan, head of the environmental team at Energean.
In direct contact with the Israel Antiquities Authority, the images were sent for analysis. Confirmation came quickly: this was a sensational discovery, far beyond initial expectations.
Details of the wreck and cargo
The survey and mapping carried out by the robot indicated that the ship measured between 12 and 14 meters in length. The hundreds of amphorae transported were used to store oil, wine and agricultural products such as fruit.
Dr Sharvit pointed out that only part of the cargo is visible, as the muddy bottom hides a second layer of amphorae and possibly wooden beams from the ship. “The type of vessel identified was designed to transport relatively cheap, mass-produced goods,” he explained.
The large number of amphorae is indicative of the extensive trade relations between the ship's region of origin and the ancient lands of the Near East.
Impact on maritime archaeology
The discovery of the shipwreck is considered a milestone. Until then, only two other shipwrecks with cargo were known from the Late Bronze Age: the Cape Gelidonya shipwreck and the Uluburun shipwreck, both found near the coast of Turkey.
These previous shipwrecks had supported the hypothesis that ancient maritime trade was conducted close to the coast, always in visual contact with land. The new discovery, however, changes that perception. “This discovery completely changes our understanding of the skills of ancient seafarers,” Sharvit said.
The depth at which the ship was found has also preserved its structure exceptionally well. With no human intervention or disturbances from sea currents, the site offers a rare, intact glimpse into the past.
Future of research and public display
Dr. Eli Escusido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, announced that some of the recovered amphorae will be displayed at the Archaeological Campus, which is still under construction. Guided tours will be available during the summer to allow the public to see the first pieces before the official inauguration, which is scheduled to take place in two years.
Escusido also thanked Energean for its collaboration and dedication in identifying and supporting the first studies on the discovery. The partnership between researchers and the private company allowed the first understandings about the shipwreck to be achieved quickly.
This discovery promises to open new windows for understanding navigation and maritime trade in Antiquity.
