We know that boatLocated approximately 90 kilometers off the northern coast of Israel and at a depth of 1,800 meters, It is one of the oldest found in the deep sea.

What is known about the ship

The ancient cargo ship was spotted by employees of the gas production company while surveying the seabed. After the company prepares a site map, the boat It was 12 to 14 meters long and was loaded with hundreds of Canaanite amphorae.

The ship was designed as the most efficient way to transport cheap mass-produced goods such as oil, wine and other agricultural products including fruit. The presence of such a large cargo indicates that there were “important commercial links” between the country from which the ship came and the ancient Levant.
– explained Sharvit.

Little is known about the ship’s history at this stage. There is speculation that the ship sank as a result of a crisis, a storm, or a pirate attack; this is a common occurrence in the Late Bronze Age.

There were jugs on the ship / Photo Image: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority

Why is this case unique?

As researchers say, this is not the first shipwreck from the Bronze Age. However, this case is unique because all previously discovered ships were located in shallow waters not far from the coastline.

Until recently, scholars assumed that trade at that time was conducted by moving safely from port to port, traversing the coastline within visual distance.

But the discovery of this ship changes our understanding of the abilities of ancient sailors: It is the first ship to sail at such a great distance and not have a direct view of any land area.
– said Jacob Sharvit, head of the maritime department of the Israel Antiquities Authority.

According to the scientist, ancient sailors probably used celestial bodies to navigate by measuring the angles of the Sun and the positions of the stars.