Diver discovers Crusader sword

A 900-year-old sword dating back to the Crusader period was found by a diver off Carmel beach in the north of Israel, along with various other artefacts, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said.

Shlomi Katzin discovered the weapon encrusted with marine life during a dive in an area off the coast where waves and undercurrents had apparently shifted sand, revealing the item, according to the IAA.

The sword has been handed over to the National Treasures Department.

It has a one-metre blade and a 30-centimetre hilt.

“The sword, which has been preserved in perfect condition, is a beautiful and rare find and evidently belonged to a Crusader knight,” said the IAA’s Nir Distelfeld.

“Once the sword has been cleaned and researched in the Israel Antiquities Authority’s laboratories, we will ensure it is displayed to the public,” IAA general director Eli Escosido said.