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Ancient Ship Reveals Intense Commercial Activity Between Peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean in Ancient Times
A shipwreck dating back 3,300 years was discovered 90 kilometers off the coast of Israel, at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel lay at a depth of 1.8 kilometers, a place where only the horizon is visible in all directions. The discovery is considered unprecedented and may rewrite the history of ancient navigation.
First Ship in Deep Waters of the Eastern Mediterranean
According to Dr. Jacob Sharvit, head of the marine unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority, this is the first and oldest ship found in the depths of the Eastern Mediterranean. “The ship appears to have sunk during a crisis, either due to a storm or an attempt at piracy,” Sharvit stated.
The vessel, which carried hundreds of Canaanite amphorae, confirms that sailors of the Late Bronze Age had already mastered open-sea navigation techniques. The location of the wreck, far from any line of sight to land, suggests the use of celestial bodies, such as the Sun and stars, to guide their journeys.
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Discovery Made During Environmental Studies
The discovery was made by a team from the natural gas company Energean, based in London. During a routine environmental study 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 looked like a large pile of jars stacked 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: it was a sensational discovery, far beyond initial expectations.
Details of the Wreck and the Cargo
The survey and mapping conducted by the robot indicated that the ship measured between 12 and 14 meters in length. The hundreds of amphorae carried were used to store oil, wine, and agricultural products such as fruits.
Dr. Sharvit noted that only part of the cargo is visible, as the muddy bottom conceals a second layer of amphorae and possibly wooden beams from the ship. “The type of vessel identified was designed to carry relatively inexpensive and mass-produced goods,” he explained.
The large quantity of amphorae is indicative of extensive trade relations between the region where the ship originated and the ancient lands of the Near East.
Impact on Maritime Archaeology
The discovery of the wreck is considered a landmark. Until now, only two other shipwrecks with cargo were known from the Late Bronze Age: the Gelidonya Cape ship and the Uluburun ship, both found near the coast of Turkey.
These earlier wrecks had supported the hypothesis that ancient maritime trade was conducted close to the coast, always maintaining visual contact with land. The new discovery, however, changes that perception. “This discovery completely alters our understanding of the skills of ancient sailors,” Sharvit stated.
The depth at which the ship was found also preserved its structure exceptionally well. Without human intervention or disturbances caused by ocean 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 rescued amphorae will be displayed at the Archaeological Campus, still under construction. During the summer, guided tours will allow the public to see the first pieces before the official inauguration, scheduled to take place in two years.
Escusido also thanked Energean for their collaboration and dedication in identifying and supporting the initial studies regarding the discovery. The partnership between researchers and the private company allowed for the first understandings of the wreck to be achieved quickly.
This discovery promises to open new windows for understanding navigation and maritime trade in ancient times.
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