Israeli Underwater Excavations Reveal Earliest Hoard of Iron Blooms From 600 B.C.E.

The earliest evidence of a grouping of iron blooms has been discovered in a shipwreck off the Carmel coast. A recent study announcing the discovery was published in npj Heritage. According to the researchers, the analysis of the ancient cargo “provides unique and unprecedented insight into early bloom production, handling and maritime transport during the Iron Age”—around 2,600 years ago.

On today’s program, host Brent Nagtegaal interviews lead author Prof. Tsilla Eshel of the School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures, University of Haifa, about the discovery.

Show Notes

Study: Earliest Iron Blooms Discovered Off the Carmel Coast Revise Mediterranean Trade in Raw Metal ca. 600 B.C.E.

Video: Ancient Iron Production Process