A New Type of Composite Anchor Dated to the Fatimid-Crusader Period from the Dead Sea, Israel

Abstract

Two composite anchors of a kind not hitherto identified, each composed of a re-used ashlar block, a wooden shank, two arms and a rope, were discovered recently on the Dead Sea shoreline. Two additional anchor weights of identical type were found in the same region. The two well-preserved anchors were dated to the Fatimid-Crusader period. The shank and the arms were made from local tree species: Christ thorn and tamarisk, and both ropes of date-palm.

Two Artificial Anchorages off the Northern Shore of the Dead Sea: a specific feature of an ancient maritime cultural landscape

“…Altogether, the unusual environment of the Dead Sea influenced various aspects of human activity on the lake and its shores, thus shaping the lake's unique ancient maritime cultural landscape. On a small scale it seems to have led to the evolution of portable naval gear of local design, such as a unique Dead Sea composite anchor (Oron et al ., ) (Fig. ).…”

“…A systematic ongoing survey of these areas in the framework of the Dead Sea Coastal Survey (DSCS)—a project aimed at locating, recording, retrieving, and studying newly exposed finds on the former lake‐bed along the northern basin's western and northern shores—has revealed numerous finds (Oron and Hadas, forthcoming a; forthcoming b). These include metal and ceramic cargo remains, anchorages, and anchors of several types spanning more than two‐and‐a‐half millennia (Hadas, , , Hadas et al ., ; Hirschfeld and Ariel, ; Oron et al ., ). The analysis of this survey material, much of which has been preserved in pristine condition by the highly saline water, sheds new light on the nature of ancient and historic maritime activity on the lake.…”

Behavior of bladder-type inflatable anchors in sand: Physical modeling

“…[2][3][4][5] The requirement to tolerate higher tension forces with lower anchor displacements has resulted in the development of new types of anchors, such as end expanding anchors and inflatable anchors. 6,7 The end expanding anchor achieves the anchoring effect through end-bearing friction produced by high-pressure-jet grout injection technology. Grout injection through the anchor shaft results in a relatively large diameter grout bulb at the bottom of the anchor.…”

“… 2 – 5 The requirement to tolerate higher tension forces with lower anchor displacements has resulted in the development of new types of anchors, such as end expanding anchors and inflatable anchors. 6 , 7 …”