Largest Collection of Byzantine and Early Islamic Pottery Found in Israel

A remarkable seventh-century shipwreck, discovered off the coast near Haifa, Israel, has yielded the largest maritime cargo collection of Byzantine and early Islamic pottery ever found in the country. The ship, dating back around 1,300 years, offers a rare glimpse into a transitional period between Byzantine and Islamic rule, showcasing a fascinating mix of religious and cultural artifacts.

Discovery and Excavation

In 2015, members of Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael first spotted intriguing wreckage just offshore. Quickly buried by sand, the site was later excavated by the University of Haifa’s Institute for Maritime Studies starting in 2016. The well-preserved 85-foot vessel contained an astonishing 103 Greco-Roman amphorae—large ceramic jars filled with various agricultural products—and inscriptions in both Greek and Arabic.

Insights into Ship Construction and Trade Routes

Experts noted that the ship’s construction was notably different from earlier vessels. Built using an Egyptian “shell-first” technique, the hull was made by joining planks (strakes) along the length of the ship, a method that contributed to its structural integrity.

Archaeologist Deborah Cvikel, lead author of the study, explained, “This was an unusually large vessel, carefully built and beautifully conserved.” Its trade route likely covered the Levant region, with stops in Cyprus, Egypt, and possibly other ports along Israel’s coast.

Christian and Islamic Symbols Unearthed

What makes this find truly extraordinary is the presence of both Christian and Muslim religious symbols aboard the ship. The researchers found inscriptions carved into the wood and amphorae bearing the name of Allah alongside numerous Christian crosses, written in Greek and Arabic.

“We do not know whether the crew was Christian or Muslim, but we found traces of both religions,” Cvikel noted, emphasizing the cultural coexistence reflected in the artifacts.

Cargo Contents: Agricultural Wealth of the Region

The amphorae contained remnants of a rich agricultural cargo: olives, dates, figs, grapes, raisins, pine nuts, and even fishbones. Among six types of amphorae found, two represent typologies previously unknown to archaeologists, highlighting the diversity of the ship’s cargo.

The proximity of the wreck—less than 100 feet from shore—and the absence of human remains suggest that no lives were lost in the sinking, possibly caused by a navigational error.

Historical Significance: Challenging Assumptions About the Byzantine-Islamic Transition

This discovery sheds new light on the seventh-century Levant, a period often believed to have seen a decline in commerce due to political upheaval between Byzantine and Islamic rule.

The shipwreck’s substantial and varied cargo, combined with its mixed religious symbolism, challenges the notion that the transition severely disrupted trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Published in the Near Eastern Archaeology journal, the study offers vital new perspectives on cultural interaction, maritime technology, and economic continuity during a pivotal historical era.

Summary of Key Facts:

• Date: Circa 7th century (1,300 years ago)

• Location: Off the coast near Haifa, Israel

• Vessel: 85-foot ship built using Egyptian “shell-first” technique

• Cargo: 103 amphorae containing olives, dates, figs, grapes, raisins, pine nuts, and fishbones

• Inscriptions: Greek and Arabic writing; religious symbols include the name of Allah and Christian crosses

• Cultural Insight: Evidence of coexistence between Christian and Muslim traditions

• Historical Impact: Challenges assumptions about decline in trade during Byzantine-Islamic transition

• Cause of Wreck: Likely navigational mistake; no human casualties presumed