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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A WOODEN BOAT discovered in the Sea of Galilee in 1986:
The Jesus Boat
Ancient Galilee boat believed to be 2,000 years old


by Lamar Keener (Christian Examiner)

TIBERIAS, Israel — As the birthplace of civilization, archaeologists have spent years in Israel uncovering stone and earthen remnants of biblically significant treasures.

Sometimes, the finds come from the most unlikely sources.

Considered one of the most remarkable archeological finds in the world, an ancient wooden boat was discovered in 1986 that has been dated back to the first century.

During a severe drought that had lowered the Sea of Galilee to record levels, two brothers, exploring its muddy shoreline for ancient artifacts, found a piece of wood jutting out of the now-exposed seabed. The vessel had been buried in, and protected by, the seabed’s sediments.

Assisted by experts from around the world, the Israel Antiquities Authority rescued the boat during an 11-day-and-night excavation. The weak and waterlogged hull required tedious care, as it was subject to crumbling after being exposed to light and air. Although the wood looked strong, it was soft and shattered upon touch.
I don't think I've ever heard of this find before. There's a photo of the boat at the Sea of Galilee page at BiblePlaces.com.

UPDATE: Oops, that's not the boat, it's a reconstruction. My mistake. But there is a photo of the actual boat at Jeremy O'Clair's Ancient Study blog.