Ancient Crusader Sword Found by Haifa University Student Off Israeli Coast

A recent discovery off Dor Beach in Haifa, Israel, has shed new light on a pivotal period in history — the time of the Crusades. The revelation began when Shlomi Katsin, a student studying maritime civilizations at the University of Haifa, encountered an unexpected underwater scene while swimming.

Katsin was swimming near Dor Beach when he noticed divers using metal detectors. He instinctively felt that these were not ordinary explorers and swiftly chased them away. To his amazement, he then spotted something sticking out from the seabed: a centuries-old sword, remarkably intact in its natural habitat. The incident unfolded entirely by chance, according to University of Haifa’s press release.

Katsin reported this find to Professor Debi Tsveikal of the Department of Maritime Civilizations, who immediately reached out to the Israel Antiquities Authority for guidance on how to proceed with preserving and protecting the sword. Following permission granted by the authority, the university set up a conservation laboratory within its Leon Recanati Institute of Maritime Studies. The rare find was then transported to Medica Elisha Hospital in Haifa for further examination via a CT scan.

This cutting-edge diagnostic imaging technique allowed researchers to unlock key details about the sword without causing damage. Photos revealed the blade, three feet long and encrusted with marine life such as shells and sediments, had been exposed over centuries. Remarkably, despite time’s degradation and sea erosion, much of its original iron content remained.

The CT scan offered fascinating insights: The sword was crafted for one-handed use and was likely owned by a European Crusader knight, evidenced by its design aligning with medieval European craftsmanship. Notably, there was a noticeable crack in the blade’s center, adding to the intrigue and historical significance of this find.

Dr. Sarah Lantos, a professor at the Department of Maritime Civilizations, highlighted that such discoveries are rare, providing invaluable context about the lives of knights during this period. Tsveikal, who had collaborated with Katsin on his initial report, noted that only a few Crusades-era swords have been found in Israel.

“This sword discovery is significant as it offers researchers a unique glimpse into maritime use and warrior life,” she said. “It expands our understanding of the Crusader era’s strategic naval deployments along Israel’s coastal regions.”

The period from 1095 to 1291 marked by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, witnessed Christian knights undertake numerous military campaigns aimed at reclaiming territories in areas like modern-day Israel, Turkey, and Syria. These conflicts saw fortified castles constructed for defense over time.

An earlier discovery in 2021 also involved a large sword dating back to the Crusades found off the coast of Israel, hinting at how often these artifacts still surface after centuries beneath the waves.

The current find not only enriches our understanding of this period but also underscores the importance of vigilance and careful handling when uncovering such ancient treasures.