Two ancient shipwrecks lie under a few meters of water near the coast of Caesarea, providing insight into what happened in the past regarding the use of ships. The discovery, made near the Mediterranean Sea, included valuable gold, coins and other objects from two different periods of history. The findings show that both of these shipwrecks can be traced back to the Roman and Mamluks eras, both periods separated by more than a thousand years. The environment played a role in the discovery as sand shifted and covered the remains over time.

Coins from Mediterranean shipwreck in shallow waters reveal ancient trade routes

According to the Armstrong Institute, two pieces of the ship were found at a depth of about four meters in a coastal area known for choppy sea conditions. This part of the Mediterranean coast has long been exposed to seasonal storms and strong wave activity, making navigation and anchoring difficult. Archaeological assessment suggests that both ships may have been anchored offshore when adverse weather conditions increased. Anchoring in shallow, open water without natural harbor protection increased the potential for structural damage. Over time, wave forces and sediment movement contributed to the fragmentation of the vessels. Changing sea level played an important role in both the preservation and redistribution of the remains, allowing the artifacts to remain partially buried until recent exposure.The discoveries include a considerable amount of money dating back approximately 1,700 years and some dating back approximately 600 years. Many of these coins are from the Mamluk period, made of silver. The money was not kept in any container but was found spread under the seabed. This suggests that the ships probably broke up during the wreck, causing items to scatter everywhere. Findings of money from many different periods show that the area saw much trading activity throughout time. This is consistent with history that depicts this eastern region as a commercial artery in ancient times.

Personal artifacts highlight the presence of individuals on the board

In addition to cargo, personal artifacts were also found, which serve as evidence of the people aboard the ships. One of the artefacts discovered is a red stone with an engraved harp, which was probably used for the Gemma ring. This symbol is believed to be associated with the culture and religion of Kinor David. Other artefacts discovered include bronze bells, ceramic vessels and miniature figurines. These appear to have been personal artefacts of passengers or members of the ship’s crew.

Ancient gold ring with Good Shepherd symbol highlights early Christian identity and symbolism

Perhaps one of the most interesting artifacts found was an octagonal gold ring with an emerald stone, engraved with a depiction of the “Good Shepherd” with sheep. This can be interpreted as a reference to early Christianity, and the artwork is an allusion to the “Good Shepherd”, indicating protection and guidance from a higher power. This discovery gives us information about early religious practices in the area and adds cultural value to such an object. Thus, the importance of artifacts goes beyond not only physical characteristics, but also cultural value.The second artifact includes some objects that indicate the use and design of the ship. Objects such as an iron anchor, lead pipes (possibly part of the bilge pump system), a bronze eagle and a dramatic mask were found. These objects provide information about the practical design of the ships as well as the cultural setting of the people who used them. Thus, they represent not only the engineering aspect but also the culture aboard such ships.

Artifacts from Roman and Mamluk shipwrecks reveal maritime history

Both shipwrecks represent different events that occurred in the same coastal area but during different historical periods. The combination of Roman and Mamluk artefacts within a shared area highlights the long-term use of this sea route. The recovered material collectively documents trade patterns, navigation risks and the presence of individuals engaged in seafaring activities. The shallow depth of the site and the influence of environmental conditions contributed to both the preservation and eventual discovery of the artifacts. These findings provide a structured record of marine history, supported by physical evidence obtained directly from the sea floor.

Saudi Arabia arrested 14,242 illegal residents in a week-long crackdown enforcing residency, labor and border laws/Image: Getty Images

Saudi Arabian security forces have detained thousands of illegal residents in a nationwide crackdown, as authorities stepped up enforcement of residence, labor and border rules, while warning of severe penalties for anyone found aiding violators. The interior ministry said a total of 14,242 persons were arrested during joint surveillance operations conducted between March 26 and April 1 in coordination with multiple government agencies. The arrests covered a wide variety of violations, including 7,884 related to residency law violations, 3,948 related to border security law, and 2,410 related to labor law. Authorities also outlined follow-up actions taken following the arrest. A total of 23,815 violators were sent to their diplomatic missions to secure travel documents, while 6,808 were directed to complete their travel bookings. In addition, 6,285 persons have already been deported. Border enforcement remained a major focus during this period. Officials said 1,449 people were detained while attempting to enter the state illegally. Of these, 27 percent were Yemeni nationals, 71 percent were Ethiopian nationals, and the remaining two percent were from other nationalities. 29 other individuals were arrested while trying to leave the country illegally. Those supporting illegal residence were also targeted in the action. Security forces arrested 25 individuals on charges of providing transportation, shelter or employment to the violators. Meanwhile, a total of 36,365 migrants, including 32,309 men and 4,056 women, are currently undergoing legal processes as authorities move to enforce the rules. The Interior Ministry reiterated that strict penalties apply to anyone facilitating illegal entry or offering assistance to undocumented persons. These include prison sentences of up to 15 years and fines of up to SR1 million. Officials said vehicles used for transportation and properties used for shelter could also be seized. Members of the public have been urged to report violations through designated emergency numbers. The ministry advised residents to call 911 in Mecca, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, while 999 and 996 could be used in other areas of the kingdom.

NASAOn a historic trip to the Moon, Artemis II astronauts will study the Moon’s surface with what lead scientist Kelsey Young calls “the best camera that has ever existed or will ever exist” – with their own eyes. Early Sunday, the four-member crew, consisting of three Americans, Commander Reed Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, passed the “two-thirds” mark of their journey aboard the Orion spacecraft. They are expected to reach the moon on Monday and conduct a fly-around, photographing the far side of the moon during the mission. “The human eye is basically the best camera that has ever existed or will ever exist,” Kelsey Young, Artemis II’s lead scientist, told AFP. “The number of receptors in the human eye far exceeds the capacity of a camera.”Despite advances in imaging technology, Young said human vision is excellent at detecting subtle changes in color, context and lighting that reveal textures on the lunar surface. “Humans can understand how light changes surface details, such as how angled lighting reveals texture but reduces visible color,” he said.The crew underwent more than two years of rigorous training to become “field scientists”, including geological expeditions to Iceland and Canada, simulating a flight to the Moon, and memorizing the “Big 15” sites of the Moon. Using an inflatable Moon globe, the astronauts practiced observing how sunlight changes the colors and textures of the surface, and refined their skills at taking detailed notes.Noah Petro, head of NASA’s Planetary Geology Laboratory, said the moon would appear to astronauts to be “about the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.” “The question I’m most interested in is whether they will be able to see colors on the moon’s surface,” he said, referring to the light gray and brown colors that indicate composition and history.David Kring of the Lunar and Planetary Institute played down expectations of major discoveries, but emphasized the historic nature of the observations. He said, “Astronauts describing what they’re seeing…it’s a phenomenon that at least two generations of people on Earth have never heard of before.”Artemis II was launched on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B atop a NASA Space Launch System rocket. This mission, the first manned Moon visit in more than 53 years, advances NASA’s Artemis program, which aims for sustainable lunar exploration and the last manned mission to Mars.

An Iranian drone attack on the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia last month caused far more damage than officials in the kingdom had previously anticipated and dealt a major blow. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) facility within the complex, according to a latest report by The Wall Street Journal citing current and former US officials.The attack occurred in Riyadh on March 3, when a drone breached the air defenses protecting the Saudi capital’s diplomatic quarter and struck the US compound. Officials said a second drone arrived shortly afterward, flew into the crack created by the first drone, and exploded.