Posted on 11/28/2005 6:31:14 PM PST by NormsRevenge
JERUSALEM - Ancient wooden anchors preserved by natural salt for more than 2,000 years have been discovered on the receding shores of the Dead Sea, Israel TV reported Monday.
Archaeologist David Mevorach told the TV station that one anchor dated back 2,500 years the oldest ever found. Another anchor was 2,000 years old, he said. They were built from acacia wood for Roman ships, he said.
The Dead Sea, with no outlet, has a high concentration of salt. "The salt and the lack of oxygen in the water preserved them in a special way, including the ropes that were tied to the boat," he said.
Also, the small sea has been receding in recent years, as the evaporation rate exceeds the replenishment of water from the Jordan River, diverted for irrigation. Archaeological artifacts have been found along the newly exposed coastline.
Ahhh! I didn't know that. Thanks!
I was there once myself, at the Ein Gedi nature preserve--about 15 years ago.
That's why they didn't use witches to anchor a boat. I dunno, just a guess.
Spas and pizza works for me!!
Oh yeh, Romano cheese!!
***Apart from the anchors, what have the bloody Romans ever given us?***
A takeoff on THE LIFE OF BRIAN, am I right?
Though not from this particular site, here's an example of a Greco Roman wood anchor found at Cefalu.
Thank you
Why would the Romans have had a ship on the Dead Sea?
It would have had to have been constructed on site with materials brought overland since the Sea has no outlet and the Jordan is too shallow.
Any guesses?
Who knows?
They may have lugged it overland to launch it on the Dead Sea.
The Dead Sea used to be a happening place years ago before the gradual draining off of the water.
Because it didn't sail very good on the Dead Mountain?
And what else floats? A duck!
yuck, a Roam Dan Rather? he is rather wooden.
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