Sharp-eyed diver finds 900-year-old Crusader sword

by Joseph Guzman | Oct. 19, 2021 | Oct. 19, 2021

Story at a glance

Shlomi Katzin was scuba diving off Israel’s Mediterranean Coast earlier this month when he came across a trove of artifacts.
The artifacts included ancient stone and metal anchors, pottery fragments and a meter-long sword that is believed to be at least 900 years old.
Officials with the Israel Antiquities Authority said the sword will be put on display once it has been cleaned and analyzed.

A scuba diver exploring the waters off the Carmel coast of Israel recently discovered a sword that experts believe dates back to the time of the crusaders.

Shlomi Katzin was scuba diving off the country’s Mediterranean Coast earlier this month when he came across a trove of artifacts that had been uncovered by sea waves and undercurrents, according to Israel’s Antiquities Authority.

The artifacts included ancient stone and metal anchors, pottery fragments and a meter-long sword that is believed to be at least 900 years old.

“The iron sword has been preserved in perfect condition and is a beautiful and rare find,” Nir Distelfeld, inspector for the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Robbery Prevention Unit, said in a statement.

America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.

“It evidently belonged to a Crusader knight. It is exciting to encounter such a personal object, taking you 900 years back in time to a different era, with knights, armor, and swords,” Distelfeld said.

Experts said the discoveries show the site served as a natural anchorage for ships seeking shelter as early as the Late Bronze Age some 4,000 years ago.

Officials with the Israel Antiquities Authority said the sword will be put on display once it has been cleaned and analyzed. Katzin was given a certificate of appreciation for good citizenship for reporting the sword to the authorities.

READ MORE STORIES FROM CHANGING AMERICA

MARK ZUCKERBERG’S MYSTERIOUS NEW ‘METAVERSE’ PROJECT IS HIRING 10,000 PEOPLE

JUST-RELEASED SATELLITE PHOTOS ALLEGEDLY SHOW TRUMP’S DESTRUCTION OF SENSITIVE SAND DUNES DESPITE PROMISES TO PROTECT THEM

CADAVER DOG NOW HUNTING FOR BRIAN LAUNDRIE IN VAST FLORIDA WILDLIFE RESERVE

AFTER WHITE STUDENTS DISPLAYED CONFEDERATE FLAG AT SCHOOL, BLACK STUDENTS SUSPENDED FOR PLANNING PROTEST

SHOCKING STUDY SAYS CHEMICALS FOUND IN SHAMPOO, MAKEUP MAY KILL 100K AMERICANS PREMATURELY EACH YEAR

SCIENTISTS SAY MYSTERIOUS RADIO WAVES ARE COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE MILKY WAY