Diver discovers 900-year-old crusader sword

Diver discovers a 900-year-old crusader sword. The unique find was made off Israel’s coast.

The discovery was made by an amateur diver. The diver had been exploring waters off the coast of northern Israel. It is believed that the sword belonged to a crusader knight. It is estimated that the sword is 900 years old.

Shlomi Katzin found the sword in the waters near Haifa. The sword is one metre long and is extremely heavy. The blade is covered with marine organisms.

It is thought that the blade resurfaced due to the shifting of sands in the ocean. Before going on public display the blade needs to be cleaned. It will also be analysed according to the Israel Antiques Authority (IAA).

During the Crusades, European Christians headed to the Middle East. They attempted to gain control of Jerusalem. They also tried to take charge of the Holy Land. The Crusades began in 1095.

The IAA’s Marine Archaeology Unit is led by Kobi Sharvit. The blade was discovered on the Carmel coast. The area is known for providing shelter to ships when storms struck. The coastline has been home to shipping activity for centuries.

Sharvit commented: “These conditions have attracted merchant ships down the ages, leaving behind rich archaeological finds,”

“It’s heavy because of the stones that are glued to it and also because it’s [an] iron sword and very big…

“That means that the guy that held this sword and [fought] with it was very strong. I’m trying to imagine him on the field with all the armour on him and the sword and fighting with it.

“He should really be in good fitness, maybe they were bigger than us today but definitely stronger. And it’s amazing.”

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