Student ‘accidentally’ finds ‘extremely rare’ Crusader-era sword after chasing off suspected thieves

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A student in Israel recently made a chance discovery tied to one of history’s most violent eras: the Crusades.

The University of Haifa recently said in a release that one of its students “accidentally” discovered aCrusader-era swordoff the coast of Dor, an ancient port in northern Israel.

The sword, which dates to the 12th century, measures over three feet long.

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University of Haifa student Shlomi Katzin was swimming near Dor when he “noticed a group of divers with metal detectors,” per the translated release.

Katzin, who studiesmaritime civilizations, suspected the group were antiquities thieves.

Split image of crusaders painting, sword

A University of Haifa student made a rare archaeological discovery off Israel’s northern coast tied to the Crusader era.(API/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

“Shlomi managed to drive them away from the area, and later during his swim, he spotted the sword protruding from the seabed and acted quickly,” the release said.

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“He informed Prof.Debbie Cvikel from the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa, who contacted the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).”

Once the IAA approved the sword’s removal, it was sent to Elisha Medical Center for a CT scan.

“Swords were valuable objects, and therefore were carefully maintained and preserved.”

Pictures of the artifact show it was heavily encrusted with shells over the centuries, though it still retains the unmistakable shape of a sword.

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Debbie Cvikel, a professor at the University of Haifa, called the artifact an “extremely rare find that sheds light on the Crusader presence along the country’s coastline.”

She added, “Only a handful of similar swords from theCrusader periodare known in the Land of Israel, and this discovery greatly contributes to our understanding of the use of maritime anchorages and the lives of warriors during this time,” according to the release.

Close-up of corroded sword from the crusades

University researchers used advanced imaging techniques to study the sword without damaging the ancient artifact.(Yoav Bornstein, University of Haifa)

Eyal Berkowitz, imaging sciences expert at the University of Haifa, noted that his team’s imaging techniques were non-invasive and kept the artifact intact.

“Using CT, we were able to see what the human eye cannot — the internal structure of the sword and its precise physical condition — all through anon-invasive examinationthat preserved the integrity of this rare artifact for future generations,” he said.

Christian faith.”

Painting of the Crusades battle in Jerusalem

The Crusades were a series of religious wars between Christian and Muslim forces spanning roughly two centuries.(Leemage/Corbis via Getty Images)

“It was also one of the most common weapons used by Crusader knights, and their lives depended on them,” said Lantus.

“Swords were valuable objects — and therefore were carefully maintained and preserved.”

Medieval depiction of the Crusades fighters in Turkey

Crusader knights became symbolic figures of medieval warfare, often tied to ideals of chivalry and faith.(Fine Art Images/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

The discovery is the latest in a string ofnotable archaeological findsin the region.

In March, archaeologists announced that they had found a2,100-year-old sling bulletwith a sarcastic message aimed at enemy forces.

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Also, last month, officials announced the discovery of amysterious Christian artifactnear the Sea of Galilee, not far from Jesus’ ministry.