Ancient Sailors: Pioneers in Celestial Navigation and Long-Distance Trade Revealed by 3,300-Year Old Wreck off Israel’s Coast

A remarkable discovery has been made in the Mediterranean, revealing the maritime skills of ancient sailors over 3,300 years ago. The wreckage, located 90 km off the northern coast of Israel at a depth of 1,800 meters, contains hundreds of intact amphorae, ancient storage vessels. According to Jacob Sharvit, head of the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) marine unit, this discovery is the first and oldest of its kind in the region.

The cargo from this ancient shipwreck was discovered by robot submarines from an oil exploration company. Only two amphorae were removed from the wreck using special tools to avoid damaging the rest. This unique discovery challenges previous academic beliefs that trade in the Late Bronze Age occurred within line of sight to the coast. Instead, it suggests that ancient mariners were capable of sailing great distances without any land lines in view.

Experts believe that sailors of this time navigated using celestial navigation, taking direction from the sun and stars. The finding reveals that ancient sailors had advanced navigational abilities and were able to cross the Mediterranean Sea without sighting any coastline. This discovery significantly changes our understanding of seafaring capabilities in civilizations thousands of years ago.

The headlines today are buzzing with excitement over this extraordinary testimony to human ingenuity and skill on the high seas. The wreck found off Israel’s northern coast demonstrates that ancient mariners were not only skilled seafarers but also pioneers in long-distance trade routes and celestial navigation techniques.

In conclusion, this discovery is a game-changer for archaeologists and historians studying seafaring cultures throughout history. It sheds new light on how ancient societies interacted with their environment and each other through sea travel and commerce.