The Tantura F shipwreck: hull remains and finds—final report

Abstract

The Tantura F shipwreck was discovered in 1996, and was excavated in 2004–2007. It was dated to between the mid 7th and the end of the 8th centuries AD. The remains comprised the bottom of the hull, including the lower part of the turn of the bilge on both sides and the beginning of the upward curvature at the bow and the stern. It was constructed based on frames. Among the finds were two anchors, 30 ceramic items, fish remains, food remnants, matting and ropes. The finds are of eastern Mediterranean and Egyptian origins. The Tantura F shipwreck is evidence of frame‐first construction in the period. It is also evidence of a trade route along the Levant coast and of the existence of a settlement in the Dor region at that time.

Key words:

• Tantura F
• Dor (Tantura) lagoon
• Early Islamic period
• Transition in construction

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the late Lord Jacobs of London, the Israel Science Foundation, the Hecht Foundation, a Sir Maurice Hatter Fellowship for Maritime Studies, and the University of Haifa, to all of whom the authors are grateful. Thanks are due to Mr John Tresman for the English editing. We thank the reviewers, whose comments contributed considerably to the article.