Off the coast of Israel, a diver discovered a 1,800-year-old Roman shipwreck containing 44 tons of artifacts. A diver swimming in the Mediterranean stumbled upon a ship that sank 1800 years ago off the northwest coast of Israel.

Kobi Sharvit, head of the underwater archeology division of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), said that although archaeologists were aware of the sunken ship, they “did not know its exact location because it was covered with sand.” He added that recent storms have likely helped reveal the cargo.

The Roman-era ship carried 44 tons (40 metric tons) of marble, including Corinthian columns decorated with elaborate floral patterns, capitals (tops of columns), and marble columns nearly 20 feet (6 meters) long; According to the statement, it is the oldest known shipwreck in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After discovering the wreck a few weeks ago, diver Gideon Harris reported it to the IAA.

Based on the dimensions of the architectural elements, the archaeologists calculated the size of the merchant ship and determined that it “could carry a load of at least 200 tons.” [181 метричну тонну]”That’s the equivalent of about 30 adult male African elephants,” said Sharvite. Archaeologists, examining the position and angle of the wreck, “believe it encountered a storm in shallow water and moored in a desperate effort to prevent the ship from running aground.”

“Such storms often erupt abruptly off the coast of the country,” Sharwit said, “due to the limited maneuverability of ships, they often drift into shallow waters and are shipwrecked.”

He added that the shipment of marble may have come from Turkey or Greece and was headed south, “perhaps to Alexandria in Egypt.”

For years, archaeologists have debated whether the ancient Romans imported fully fabricated architectural elements or sent only partially finished pieces. This conclusion concludes the discussion by showing that the pieces “are separated from the quarry as primary raw material or partially processed work and are shaped and worked on site by local artists and artisans or by artists brought to the area”. It is like expert mosaic artists traveling from place to place to execute commissioned projects.”

While it is not clear where the marble pillars are intended to be placed, they are likely to adorn a “luxury public building” such as a temple or theatre.