A recent discovery off the coast of northern Israel has shed new light on ancient seafaring abilities. A 3,300-year-old ship, dating back to the late Bronze Age, was found by a natural gas company operating in Israel's territorial waters. This remarkable find is one of the oldest known examples of a ship sailing far from land, challenging previous assumptions about ancient navigation.
The ship, located 55 miles off Israel's Mediterranean coast at a depth of 1.1 miles, was remarkably well-preserved due to its great depth, remaining undisturbed by natural elements and human activities over the centuries. The vessel, measuring between 39 to 45 feet in length, was discovered alongside hundreds of Canaanite jugs, believed to have carried oil, wine, or fruit.
Experts suggest that the sailors of this ancient ship likely relied on celestial navigation, using the sun and stars to guide their way across the open sea. This finding contradicts the prevailing belief that trade during that era was conducted by ships hugging the coastline, moving from port to port with a line of sight to land.
The ship's intact state offers significant research potential, providing insights into ancient maritime trade, seafaring techniques, and the broader cultural connections of the Canaanite people who inhabited the eastern Mediterranean region. The vessel's sinking, possibly due to a storm or pirate attack, adds a layer of intrigue to its historical narrative.
While the ship itself remains submerged, efforts have been made to retrieve two of the Canaanite jugs for further study. The collaboration between the natural gas company and the Israel Antiquities Authority has paved the way for ongoing research and exploration of this extraordinary archaeological find, reshaping our understanding of ancient mariner capabilities and trade networks in the late Bronze Age.
.jpg?w=600)
