The 7th–9th Century Tantura E Shipwreck, Israel: construction and reconstruction

Abstract

The antura Tantura E shipwreck was discovered in Tantura lagoon, Israel, in a water depth of 2.8-m, covered by 1-m of sand. It was a coaster that plied the Levant coast, dated to the 7th–9th centuries CE. It was recorded under water, but several components were studied on land, as well as the finds. The hull is of frame‐based construction, with flat floor timbers and a sharp turn of the bilge. The archaeological evidence, as well as modern design tools and regulations, suggests that Tantura E was c.12.5-m long, of 25 tonnes displacement, and could load c.17.5 tonnes.

Key words:

• Dor
• frame‐based
• repairs
• Mediterranean seafaring

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Hecht Trust, a Sir Maurice Hatter Fellowship for Maritime Studies, and anonymous donors, to whom the authors are grateful. Thanks are due to the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments, and to John Tresman for the English editing.

Additional information

Funding

Hecht Trust

Sir Maurice Hatter Fellowship for Maritime Studies