Archaeologists discover shipwrecks, ancient harbor on coast of Israel

PhyOrg ^ | November 28, 2012 | University of Rhode Island

[SunkenCiv]

Although shipwrecks from the 1800s are not the highest priorities in a region where civilization goes back thousands of years, Buxton is excited by the discovery for what it tells her about where much older ships may be found. "Like many underwater archaeologists I'm very interested in finding a well-preserved example of an ancient multi-decked warship from the Hellenistic age," said Buxton. "These ships were incredible pieces of technology, but we don't know much about their design because no hulls have been found. However, a combination of unusual environmental and historical factors leads us to believe we have a chance of finding the remains of one of these ships off the northern coast of Israel."

...One line of buried targets detected off the southern seawall of old Akko is particularly suggestive. Continuing excavations in this area over the summer revealed an alignment between these targets and a newly-discovered slipway and shipshed structure, which continued out under the sea floor 25 meters from the Ottoman city wall. The feature resembles other naval shipsheds found in places such as Athens where they were used to haul up ancient warships. The excavation project was initially undertaken to strengthen the eroding sea wall, but it also revealed Hellenistic masonry, pottery vessels, an ancient mooring stone, and a stone quay 1.3 meters below the modern sea level. The possibility that much more of the Hellenistic port lies well-preserved under the sea floor is exciting for the archaeologists, because it means that shipwrecks from earlier centuries that have so far not been found at Akko may simply be buried deeper down in the sediment.

[GeronL]

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[SunkenCiv]

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[Fiji Hill]

Akko is also known as Acre to Crusades buffs.

[bigheadfred]

These ships were incredible pieces of technology, but we don't know much about their design because no hulls have been found

Objection, you honor. There was someone back then who was smart enough (and rich enough) to float a villa. Thus the word "floatvilla". THEN the military took over (WE ARE SPARTA). And they made an adaptation and threw on a double secret probation and all we have left are hints and the word "flotilla".

If'n ya dinna beeleeve me may you die the death of chistions. By lyin'. Inna Coliseum. (HOW the heck did they build that? (is the arch reply)

[GeronL]

I trust you. I remember something about a Chinese expedition that went to Africa and took a whole village of villa’s....

[SunkenCiv]

Oh no, there’s Orchomenos, go go flotilla, yeah.

[bigheadfred]

You absolutely suck at air guitar. teehee

[colorado tanker]

This is a very old city. Who knows what they might find down in the sediments?