Ancient Iron Shipment Discovered Off Israel’s Coast
Why this is here: The iron blooms’ protective slag layer created a hermetic seal, preventing corrosion and allowing the material to remain remarkably preserved for over two millennia.
Researchers discovered nine raw iron blooms dating back 2,600 years off the coast of ancient Dor. The University of Haifa team published their findings in Heritage Science. This is the earliest archaeological evidence of seafaring trade in raw iron.
The iron originated from distant smelting sites and was transported as a raw material. It wasn’t processed into tools or weapons until it reached its destination. A protective layer of slag surrounding the iron blooms prevented corrosion and aided preservation.
Researchers used carbon dating on a charred branch found within one bloom to determine the cargo’s age. This period coincided with significant political changes in the region. The study included researchers from Technion, Tel Aviv University, and the University of California.