Maritime archaeologists and enthusiasts on Friday watched a replica of a 2,500-year-old Hellenic sailing boat discovered off Israel's coast three decades ago being officially launched into the Mediterranean Sea. The University of Haifa and the Israel Antiquities Authority joined forces to build the replica with the methods, materials and tools used in the Hellenic period, the IAA said. The accurate reconstruction was made possible because the ancient wreck had been preserved almost intact under a layer of silt, giving archaeologists a chance to inspect its keel, timbers and crossbeams as well as the base of the mast and even the ancient builders' toolbox. "When I look at this ship with great excitement today, I have to pinch myself twice. Firstly, I don't believe we finished the project, and, more than that, I don't believe we are seeing it actually setting sail," said Avner Hilman of the IAA, who is writing a doctoral thesis on ancient shipbuilding methods. To fulfill an ancient maritime custom, the organizers poured oil and wine into the sea as the ship was launched. Dr. Deborah Cvikel of the Department of Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa said it was the first time that a ship of this kind had been built as a research project. The construction of the replica cost 2 million shekels ($550,000), the university said.
Replica of 2,500-year-old ship launched into Mediterranean Sea
Built using traditional methods, materials and tools, the $550,000 boat is a copy of a Hellenic-era shipwreck found almost intact off Israel's coast three decades ago • Archaeologist Avner Hilman: I don't believe we are seeing it actually set sail.
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