Ancient Shipwreck Near Israeli Coast Reveals Insights Into Phoenician Trade

Discovery of a 2,400-Year-Old Amphora Inscription

In 2016, archaeologists unearthed fragments of two amphoras from the 4th century BCE in the waters off Tel Achziv, a historic Phoenician port near the modern-day Israel-Lebanon border. One of these pottery pieces bore an inscription that, after years of research, was finally deciphered and published in 2025 in the journal CARMEL: Studies in Archaeological Sciences and Conservation.

Navigating a Perilous Coastline

For centuries, sailors transporting valuable goods along the Eastern Mediterranean knew to be wary of the treacherous waters off northern Israel. The region’s reefs and small islands, situated approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometers (0.62 to 0.93 miles) from the shore, posed significant navigational hazards, increasing the likelihood of shipwrecks—particularly during storms or nighttime voyages.

Historical Significance of Tel Achziv

Tel Achziv, an important Phoenician port during the Iron Age (1200–586 BCE), was destroyed by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s military campaign but was later rebuilt. The city appears in the Periplus of Pseudo-Scylax, a 4th-century BCE Greek maritime guide, which describes it as a settlement along a river between Tyre and Akko—likely referring to the nearby Nahal Kziv.

Deciphering the Inscription

One of the amphoras featured a two-line inscription, which was incised into the clay rather than written with ink, ensuring its preservation over millennia. The deciphering process, led by Prof. Assaf Yasur-Landau of the University of Haifa and Prof. Christopher A. Rollston of George Washington University, required specialized imaging techniques provided by the Israel Museum. Rollston identified enough letters to confirm that the inscription referenced the city of Sidon, a major Phoenician center.

Clues About Ancient Trade

Petrographic analysis of the amphoras' clay revealed that they originated from the region between Tyre and Sidon, corroborating the inscription’s reference. This finding suggests a strong connection between these cities and Tel Achziv. Amphoras were typically marked to indicate their contents, owners, or destinations, though most such inscriptions, written in ink, have not survived.

Interestingly, the inscription's irregular handwriting suggests it was etched by a semiliterate individual rather than a trained scribe. Many merchants and sailors of the time possessed basic literacy skills, and it is possible that a crew member personally inscribed the vessel.

Preserved Resin Hints at Amphora's Purpose

Further analysis uncovered traces of resin inside the amphora. Typically used to waterproof containers, resin also hints at the vessel’s contents—likely wine. Organic materials seldom survive for millennia, but in this case, the sand covering the amphora helped preserve the substance.

Uncovering More Secrets of the Past

While the full inscription remains partially unreadable, advancements in imaging technology may one day reveal more details. Prof. Rollston remains optimistic that future research will unlock the remaining text, offering deeper insights into ancient maritime trade.

The Importance of Underwater Archaeology

This discovery underscores the immense potential of maritime archaeology. Prof. Yasur-Landau emphasizes that only a small fraction of archaeologists specialize in underwater excavation, yet such finds significantly contribute to our understanding of historical trade networks and economic activities. As technology evolves, the sea may continue to unveil hidden chapters of history, bringing ancient civilizations closer to modern scholars.