What Is It?

1. Byzantine cross

2. Canaanite idol

3. Crusader sword

4. Egyptian royal pendant

5. Israelite staff

Answer: (3)

This 900-year-old sword was discovered by a scuba diver off the coast of Israel in November 2021. Although heavily encrusted with sea life, the iron sword is wonderfully preserved. At more than 4 feet long, the date and style of the sword indicate that it probably belonged to a Crusader knight on his way to the Holy Land from Europe. With its deep waters and coves, Israel’s northern coast has harbored ships for more than 4,000 years, including during the Crusader period. As marine archaeology increases in popularity, finds like this are becoming more common.