On a sunny Saturday, Shlomi Katzin, an amateur diver from Atlit, Israel, decided to explore the depths of the Mediterranean Sea. This routine dive, however, was about to become anything but ordinary. As Katzin swam through the calm, clear waters, something caught his eye—a glint beneath the sand that sparked his curiosity. He dove deeper to investigate, eager to uncover what lay hidden below.
To his amazement, Katzin unearthed a large sword, its blade stretching over 39 inches long and its hilt nearly 12 inches in length. This was no ordinary find; it was a 900-year-old relic from the time of the Crusades, likely belonging to a valiant knight. But the sword was not alone. Scattered around it were ancient stone anchors, metal anchors, and pottery fragments, remnants of a long-lost era.
Realizing the significance of his discovery, Katzin carefully brought the sword to the surface, fearing it might be lost forever under the sea’s shifting sands. Once ashore, he immediately reported his find to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). In recognition of his exemplary citizenship, the IAA awarded him a certificate of appreciation.
Nir Distelfeld, an inspector for the IAA’s robbery prevention unit, was among the first to examine the sword. “The sword, which has been preserved in perfect condition, is a beautiful and rare find and evidently belonged to a Crusader knight,” he remarked. Despite being encrusted with marine organisms, the craftsmanship of the iron blade shone through, a tangible connection to a time when knights in armor roamed the land.
The discovery was made off Israel’s Carmel coast, an area rich in history and natural beauty. Kobi Sharvit, director of the IAA’s marine archaeology unit, explained that these waters have long been a refuge for ancient ships during storms, thanks to the numerous natural coves. Over the centuries, these sheltered spots became sites of thriving settlements and port cities, leaving behind a treasure trove of archaeological finds.
“These conditions have attracted merchant ships down the ages, leaving behind rich archaeological finds. The recently recovered sword is just one such find,” Sharvit said. Among the anchors Katzin found, some dated back millennia, even to the Late Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago. “The recent discovery of the sword suggests that the natural cove was also used in the Crusader period, some 900 years ago,” Sharvit added, highlighting the enduring significance of this historical harbor.
With the sword now safely in the hands of the IAA, the next steps involve cleaning and analyzing it in their labs. Once this meticulous work is complete, the sword will be displayed for the public, allowing everyone to marvel at this remarkable piece of history. Shlomi Katzin’s chance discovery not only provided a glimpse into the past but also brought to light the enduring legacy of the Crusaders, forever etched in the sands of the Mediterranean.
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