In the northern coastal region of Israel, a natural gas company named Energean made a remarkable discovery during a routine drilling operation. The company’s diving robot found a perfectly preserved Bronze Age shipwreck at a depth of 1,800 meters below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea. The shipwreck, estimated to be around 3,300 years old, challenges previous assumptions about ancient maritime capabilities and offers new insights into ancient Mediterranean customs and shipping methods.
The location of the shipwreck is particularly significant as it was found far from land, indicating that ancient sailors may have been better wayfinders than previously thought. Before this discovery, it was believed that sailors in the late Bronze Age mainly traveled close to shore where they could navigate based on landmarks. However, the well-preserved ship measuring 12-14 meters in length was found surrounded by ancient amphorae and sunk about 90 kilometers off the Israeli coast.
Energean utilized a diving robot equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore the deep sea and capture footage of the shipwreck. The ROVs were equipped with cameras and lights that provided valuable visual information to archaeologists about the ship and its contents. Amongst other artifacts, jars filled with honey, olive oil, and tree resin were discovered on board – important goods transported by ancient ships.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Energean are continuing to study the shipwreck, including analyzing sediment from the jars found onboard. This research will provide insights into ancient Mediterranean customs and shipping methods that can help us understand how these ancient societies functioned and thrived in their time period. The discovery of this well-preserved Bronze Age shipwreck highlights the importance of underwater archaeological exploration and opens up new possibilities for future discoveries in the deep sea.
In conclusion, Energean’s diving robot has made an incredible discovery of an ancient Bronze Age shipwreck at a depth of 1800 meters below
