World’s Oldest Deep Sea Ship Discovered Off Israeli Coast
Marine archaeologists announced this week a groundbreaking discovery in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Israel: the world’s oldest deep sea shipwreck. This 3,300-year-old vessel, found over a mile beneath the ocean’s surface, has provided an unprecedented glimpse into ancient seafaring and trade practices. The shipwreck, dating back to around 1400-1300 BC, was located approximately 56 miles from Israel's northern coast. This significant distance from shore underscores the advanced navigation skills of ancient sailors, who relied on celestial navigation rather than visual landmarks. Historians are fascinated by this discovery, as it offers new insights into how ancient mariners traversed vast distances using the stars and the sun to guide their journeys. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which led the excavation, described the shipwreck as a "rare global discovery." The vessel's cargo, preserved almost perfectly since the time of its sinking, includes...
