Student Enters Sea for Diving in Israel and Finds 12th Century Medieval Sword That May Reveal New Clues About European Crusaders and Maritime Routes Used During the Crusades

Written by Romário Pereira de Carvalho

Published on 08/03/2026 at 17:34

Updated on 08/03/2026 at 17:35

Espada do século XII foi encontrada por um estudante de pós-graduação e estudada através de uma tomografia computadorizada hospitalar — Foto: Yoav Bornstein/ Universidade de Haifa

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Medieval Sword About 1 Meter Found by University of Haifa Student at Bottom of Sea May Reveal Details About European Crusaders and Anchors Used in Medieval Mediterranean

A student from the University of Haifa discovered a medieval sword about 1 meter long at the bottom of the sea off the Mediterranean coast of Israel. The find, dated to the 12th century, may enhance the understanding of European crusaders in the region.

Discovery Occurred During Diving Off Coast of Israel

The artifact was found by Shlomi Katzin, a graduate student in the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa.

He was swimming in the area when he noticed a group of divers using metal detectors.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Student Had Already Found Similar Object

This was not the first time Katzin identified an artifact of this type in the same area. In 2021, he had already located another sword related to the medieval period in the coastal region.

As soon as he realized the archaeological significance of the find, the student immediately informed nautical archaeologist Deborah Cvikel, who is also a researcher at the University of Haifa.

After the communication, the Israel Antiquities Authority authorized a controlled excavation to recover the weapon from the bottom of the sea and allow for detailed scientific studies.

Historical Importance of the Medieval Sword Found

According to Deborah Cvikel, the discovery represents an extremely rare find related to the presence of European crusaders along the Israeli coastline during the Middle Ages.

The researcher explained that only a small number of swords from this period, between 1095 and 1291, have been identified in the territory of Israel to date.

According to Cvikel, this type of artifact helps archaeologists better understand the functioning of maritime anchors and the daily life of warriors during the Crusades.

Examinations Reveal Damage Caused by the Sea

After recovery, researchers used hospital computed tomography to analyze the interior of the medieval sword without removing the thick layer of accumulated sediments.

The examination revealed that a significant part of the iron core of the blade had deteriorated due to prolonged exposure to seawater.

The researchers also identified structural fractures in the weapon, indicating that corrosion over the centuries compromised part of the integrity of the original material.

Despite this, the data allowed for recognition of important characteristics. The sword was designed for one-handed combat, a common standard among medieval knights.

The shape and construction suggest that the weapon may have belonged to a Frankish crusader, one of the European warriors who participated in military campaigns in the so-called Holy Land.

Swords Had Military and Symbolic Functions

During the Crusades, Christian knights from primarily Western Europe waged religious wars against Muslim forces for control of the region.

In this historical context, the medieval sword held not only military utility but also significant symbolic value for Christian knights.

Researcher Sára Lantos explained that, in the Middle Ages, the sword became a symbol of chivalry and also of Christian faith among European warriors.

According to archaeologists, it is unlikely that the weapon was deliberately discarded. Metal was valuable and frequently recycled during that period.

Therefore, researchers consider it more likely that the sword was lost at sea during a battle, a shipwreck, or an accident at a coastal anchorage.

With information from Galileu Magazine.

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Student Enters Sea for Diving in Israel and Finds 12th Century Medieval Sword That May Reveal New Clues About European Crusaders and Maritime Routes Used During the Crusades

Medieval Sword About 1 Meter Found by University of Haifa Student at Bottom of Sea May Reveal Details About European Crusaders and Anchors Used in Medieval Mediterranean

Discovery Occurred During Diving Off Coast of Israel

Student Had Already Found Similar Object

Historical Importance of the Medieval Sword Found

Examinations Reveal Damage Caused by the Sea

Swords Had Military and Symbolic Functions

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Student Enters Sea for Diving in Israel and Finds 12th Century Medieval Sword That May Reveal New Clues About European Crusaders and Maritime Routes Used During the Crusades

Medieval Sword About 1 Meter Found by University of Haifa Student at Bottom of Sea May Reveal Details About European Crusaders and Anchors Used in Medieval Mediterranean

Discovery Occurred During Diving Off Coast of Israel

Student Had Already Found Similar Object

Historical Importance of the Medieval Sword Found

Examinations Reveal Damage Caused by the Sea

Swords Had Military and Symbolic Functions

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