Experts said that the ancient sword was probably uncovered after sand was shifted by waves. Other artifacts found in the weapon’s vicinity included metal anchors, stone anchors and fragments of pottery.
Israeli law requires any artifacts found to be returned to the nation. After his discovery, Katzin said he retrieved the sword from the seabed out of concern that the find would be stolen or reburied. He turned it over to authorities and was awarded a certificate of appreciation for “good citizenship."The sword, measuring about four feet long, was encrusted in marine life but in otherwise “perfect condition,” according to Nir Distelfeld, an official with the IAA.
Distelfeld, in a statement, described it as a “beautiful and rare find” that probably belonged to a Crusader knight. “It is exciting to encounter such a personal object, taking you 900 years back in time to a different era, with knights, armor and swords.” Israel’s northern coast has many coves where ancient ships found shelter from storms, said Kobi Sharvit, a marine archaeologist with the IAA, adding that old port cities and other human settlements were built around larger coves.
“These conditions have attracted merchant ships down the ages, leaving behind rich archaeological finds,” he said in a statement.Experts say the discovery of ancient artifacts by swimmers and recreational divers has become increasingly common in recent years amid the growing popularity of water sports in the region. The site where the sword was found has been monitored by authorities since it was first discovered in June.
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