Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient boat anchor made of stone that remained in use for around 2,000 years, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority announced Thursday.
The anchor, which was found in an underwater dig at the Tel Dor archaeological site in northern Israel, was first used in the Bronze Age some 3,300 years ago and remained in use during the Byzantine period until roughly 500 CE, according to the parks authority.
It weighs around 100 kilograms (220 pounds), with the parks authority saying it is similar to other anchors found in the ancient Syrian port of Ugarit and the Uluburun shipwreck off Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Archaeologists also found that the bottom of the bay around the ancient settlement at Tel Dor was covered with ballast stones, which are used to stabilize ships, and discovered numerous stone tools and shards of earthenware that were used to transport goods such as wine and oil.
This handout photo from June 10, 2021, shows an ancient stone anchor that was found at the Tel Dor archaeological site in northern Israel. (Yaniv Cohen/Israel Nature and Parks Authority)
“Making Tel Dor’s heritage accessible to the public could connect thousands of years of maritime and continental history of one of the most import cities discovered in the Land of Israel,” archaeologist Dror Ben-Yosef was quoted as saying in a statement from the parks authority.
Get The Times of Israel's Daily Edition
by email and never miss our top stories
By signing up, you agree to the
terms
The parks authority, which conducted the dig with the University of Haifa’s Department of Maritime Civilizations, said the anchor had been removed from the sea and that archaeologists were trying to determine its origin.
Bridging the US-Israel divide
While the heart of The Times of Israel’s work takes place in Israel, so many of Jerusalem’s actions are influenced by those in Washington’s halls of power.
As ToI’s US bureau chief, I work to gain access to decision-makers in the United States government so our readers can understand the US-Israel relationship beyond the platitudes evident in public statements.
I'm proud of our ability to inform without sensationalizing, our dedication to be fast while ensuring accuracy, and our determination to present Israel's entire, complex story.
Your support through The Times of Israel Community helps us continue to keep readers around the world properly informed about the critical Israel-US relationship. Do you appreciate our news coverage? If so, please join the ToI Community today.
- Jacob Magid, The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
Yes, I'll join
Yes, I'll join
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel eleven years ago - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this