Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of three distinct Iron Age ship cargoes buried beneath the sands of Dor Lagoon, also known as Tantura, along Israel's Carmel Peninsula coast. This remarkable discovery marks the first documented instance of Iron Age vessel contents found in Israeli waters, offering rare, direct insight into the region’s ancient maritime trade networks. Published in the scientific journal *Antiquity*, these finds provide a crucial counterpoint to previous historical knowledge, which relied heavily on terrestrial excavations. The cargoes span different phases of the Iron Age, illuminating the economic and political evolution of the southern Levant over centuries.
Storage jars found among the cargo Dor L1, Antiqui (2025)
The extensive underwater investigation was spearheaded by an international team, including Professor Thomas Levy from the University of California San Diego and Professor Assaf Yasur-Landau of the University of Haifa. To meticulously study these submerged wreck sites, the researchers employed a combination of cutting-edge technology and established archaeological methods, utilizing 3D photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, and detailed digital mapping. Despite the advanced techniques, only approximately one-quarter of the lagoon's sandy seabed has been excavated to date. However, even these preliminary findings have been sufficient to establish the structure and precise chronology of the valuable shipments.
The three discovered cargoes offer a chronological snapshot of trade activity. The earliest find, designated Dor-M, dates back to the 11th century BCE. This shipment contained ceramic storage vessels and an anchor featuring inscriptions in the Cypro-Minoan script, strongly suggesting trade links with Cyprus and Egypt. Furthermore, the specific typology of the pottery indicates connections stretching along the Phoenician coast. Next in sequence is Dor-L1, spanning the 9th to 8th centuries BCE. This cargo primarily consisted of Phoenician vessels and delicate, thin-walled bowls. While this period saw a general reduction in imported goods, the presence of Dor-L1 confirms the persistent operational status of the port and its continued maritime engagement.
The most extensively preserved cargo, Dor-L2, belongs to the late 7th to early 6th century BCE. This haul was particularly revealing, containing Cypriot-style basket-handled amphorae, remnants of grape seeds, and significant evidence of early industrial activity: iron ingots and metallurgical slag. An anchor with both wooden and lead components was also recovered. The composition of Dor-L2 provides compelling evidence for the development of organized industrial metal trade during this critical era.
Historically, Dor Lagoon functioned as a critical nexus, linking major powers such as Egypt, Phoenicia, and later, the expanding empires of Assyria and Babylonia. The contents of the three shipwrecks vividly track the economic and political shifts that swept through the region between the 11th and 6th centuries BCE. This timeframe includes periods when Dor was under the control of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, followed by its subjugation by the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires. Crucially, the evidence shows that even during times of significant political upheaval and decline, the vital sea lanes remained active, underscoring Dor's enduring central role in international commerce.
This monumental discovery significantly enhances our understanding of the Iron Age in the Eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating that maritime commerce was a highly structured and complex system. The presence of varied ceramics alongside iron ingots points toward sophisticated metallurgical practices and a diverse range of export commodities. The analytical methods employed allowed for precise dating of the cargoes and reconstruction of the stratigraphy of the ship remains, opening up new avenues for studying the ancient marine economy. The archaeological team intends to press ahead with excavations, hoping to uncover additional ship fragments and personal artifacts belonging to the sailors. Even at this preliminary stage, the recovered cargoes are already forming the basis for new scholarly publications, promising to profoundly reshape our knowledge of Iron Age maritime trade in the Levant.