The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said that the diver with “eagle eyes” who discovered the treasure sword on the seabed will be rewarded handsomely, according to Daily Mail.
A precious sword buried under the sea for nearly a thousand years was found
While diving in the waters of Haifa Bay in the Mediterranean, Shlomi Katzin, an amateur diver, unexpectedly discovered a precious sword dating back to the Crusades.
According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the sword is at least 900 years old, about 1 meter long, and is believed to have belonged to a Crusader knight. Despite being covered in marine organisms and submerged for more than 900 years, the sword is still in remarkably good condition.
Kobi Sharvit, an expert with the IAA, explained that the valuable sword was buried in seafloor sand and covered in marine life, making it difficult to detect even though it was only at a depth of slightly over 3 meters.
“The shifting seabed currents have exposed the thick layer of sand and revealed the sword,” said Sharvit.
“Despite being submerged in seawater and eroded by marine organisms for nearly 1,000 years, the sword is still in remarkably good condition. It was forged using advanced metallurgical techniques, which is surprising. We will display the sword after it is cleaned and restored to its original, brilliant appearance,” Sharvit added.
According to archaeological experts, it is highly likely that the precious sword was once owned by a Crusader knight.
Many marine creatures are stuck to the sword from the time of the Crusades.
The Crusades were a series of religious wars that occurred from 1095-1291. The Crusaders came from all over Western Europe. According to the Pope’s call, they waged numerous wars to regain Jerusalem – the holy land of Christianity controlled by Muslims.
Shlomi Katzin also found many other artifacts besides the sword, including stone anchors and pottery. He reported his findings to the IAA for fear that the artifacts would be stolen if left at the bottom of the sea.
“This is a beautiful, rare sword found in perfect condition. Not to mention its age, its historical value alone proves that it belongs to the category of treasure,” the IAA declared.
