Israel's Dor Lagoon Shipwreck Reveals 2,600-Year-Old Raw Iron Cargo

An excavation in Dor Lagoon, Israel, uncovered nine pieces of raw iron, dating back 2,600 years, indicating early maritime trade of iron. The iron, preserved in its original form from a smelting furnace, suggests it was produced at distant sites and transported for processing. This finding provides insights into ancient Mediterranean trade networks.

Published Mar 26, 2026

An underwater excavation in Dor Lagoon, Israel, revealed nine pieces of raw iron, known as 'blooms,' dating back approximately 2,600 years. The findings, published in Heritage Science, indicate that the iron was shipped directly after production, with no evidence of further processing.

AI-curated by Theia

Analysis confirmed the iron was heated with charcoal to create a porous mass, rather than being melted like copper or bronze. Radiocarbon dating of charred wood from one bloom helped establish the timeline. This discovery suggests that iron production was decentralized, with raw iron transported to urban centers for processing, reshaping the understanding of ancient trade networks in the Mediterranean region.