#crusader

#crusader

Diver Finds 900-Year-Old Crusader SwordCongratulations on finding such a rare item!Shlomi Katzin rocks different poses as he shows off an old Crusader sword that he found during a dive at a beach in Carmel, Israel. Honestly, him discovering the relic during a swim feels like he unlocked a secret side quest or he accidentally opened a rare chest on the sea bed off the Carmel coast.  The sword has a one-meter-long blade and a 30-centimeter hilt. According to Nir Distelfeld, Inspector for the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Robbery Prevention Unit, “it was found encrusted with marine organisms but is apparently made of iron. It is exciting to encounter such a personal object, taking you 900 years back in time to a different era, with knights, armor, and swords.”Image credit: Anastasia Shapiro, Israel Antiquities Authority; Shlomi Katzin#Crusader #Artifact #Sword #Diving #ShlomiKatzin 

The First Crusader Camp Ever Found is Unearthed in IsraelThe First Kingdom of Jerusalem existed between 1099 and 1187, when the army of Saladin defeated the European Crusaders who established the kingdom. Christian forces camped in the area of the Tzipori Springs for a couple of months leading up to the decisive Battle of Hattin in 1187. Before expanding route 79 in Israel, the Israel Antiquities Authority sent in archaeologists to search for historic artifacts to prevent them from being destroyed. Those archaeologists believe they have found that encampment, which is the first Crusader camp ever found in the Middle East.The artifacts found so far include many that have to do with horses: horseshoes, horse nails, bridal fittings, and combs. There are also coins, needles, buckles, and other metal items. Notably, these artifacts originated in both Europe and the Levant, and indicate they were owned by people of widely varying wealth and status. Read more about the Crusader camp and its artifacts at Smithsonian. (Image credit: Israel Antiquities Authority) #Crusader #Israel #KingdomofJerusalem #archaeology