Archaeologists revealed in a new article that was recently published in the 'Atiqot journal that a sword that was discovered by a diver off the coast of northern Israel in 2021 was likely lost overboard during a fierce naval battle between Crusaders and Muslim residents of coastal cities about 800 years ago.
The 800-year-old Crusader sword as it was found in the sea off the coast of Neve Yam in October 2021. (Shlomi Katzin/IAA)
Shlomi Katzin, a recreational diver, discovered the iron sword encrusted in shells, sand, and cemented microorganisms, commonly known as a "biogenic crust," after he lifted it from the seabed. Since iron often oxidizes and breaks down in salt water, this crust kept the blade intact for generations.
But it was difficult for experts to study the sword more closely due to the thick covering of shells and sand.
In a collaboration with the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, the Israel Antiquities Authority used cutting-edge X-ray radiography equipment to visibly pierce the crust and simulate the sword. A government research facility with a focus on nuclear and photonics technology is called the Soreq Center.
Early research cracked the marine crust and exposed the iron blade, splitting it, forcing researchers to adopt noninvasive methods of study. (Daphna Gazit/IAA)
A significant portion of the iron blade was exposed and broke open during early studies on the sword when the crust fractured. The decision was made to just use non-invasive techniques to continue researching the sword.
Due to the crossbar (part of the handle) being smacked out of alignment and the slight bending of the blade, which was shown by the X-rays, researchers believe the sword was almost probably lost overboard during a combat.
The sword most likely fell into the water during a battle, according to Dr. Joppe Gosker of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Swords are typically seen in a scabbard because they are pricey, he continued. "Only the sword was discovered in this case. This suggests that it fell into the water during a conflict, perhaps with its owner. Our scans of the area turned up no additional remains, but you never know. The warrior might still be hidden deep within, waiting for the sands to reveal him one day.
An x-ray of the Crusader sword's hilt. (Isaac Hershko/Soreq Nuclear Research Center)
Due to the high cost of iron and the common practice of turning swords into other implements, very few swords have been discovered on land. With a blade from the 12th century and a pommel or handle from the 13th century, this weapon was probably a European sword.
Long and straight, "used for stabbing and slashing," the experts said of the European medieval sword in their article. experts believe it belonged to a Crusader, possibly a member of the aristocracy who had the time and resources to train fencing. Swords in the Islamic world during this time period typically had curved blades, which is why experts assume it was a Crusader sword.
Jacob Sharvit, the head of IAA's maritime archaeology unit, claimed that the sword belonged to a Crusader fighter who lived in the region after the First Crusade and founded the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1099. "We could anticipate finding more such swords given the brutal conflicts that occurred there between the Muslims and Crusaders, which are known from numerous historical sources. In reality, we mainly discover broken swords and relatively few complete ones. Seven swords from this era have so far been unearthed in the nation, the most of them in the water, according to Sharvit.
Diver Shlomi Katzin with the sword he discovered off the coast of Neve Yam in October 2021. (Nir Distelfeld/Israel Antiquities Authority)
With the liberation of Jerusalem from the Fatimid Caliphate in 1099, the Crusader era in Israel began and lasted for almost 200 years. Following their conquest of Jerusalem, the Crusaders—a missionary army made up of priests, knights, princes, aristocrats, and commoners—marched on the coastal cities that were then ruled by the Muslims.
Due to their dependency on supplies from Europe, the Crusaders had to maintain control of the ports in order to survive. Naval vessels from Pisa, Venice, and other Italian republics attacked Muslim coastal cities during the Crusader era.
