Three-hole composite stone anchors from a medieval context at Caesarea Maritima, Israel

Three-holed stone anchors have been considered the earliest 'composite anch ors', replacing single-hole 'weight anchors' of the Bronze Age. Though ther e is inconclusive evidence as to the first appearance of this new, revoluti onary type, the data from land sites attest its use by the end of the 13th century BCE. Specimens of this anchor have been used as a testimony for Iro n Age maritime activity of the Phoenicians and related maritime groups at v arious sites. While three-holed stone anchors were found in clear medieval contexts, only a few originate from good datable contexts. Recent discoveri es derive from both the well-stratified medieval urban settlement of Caesar ea, and late deposits on its harbour floor. They include the period between 1101 and 1265, when Crusaders settled in the city. This data calls for a r evision of our attitude towards 'anchorology' and a reassessment of earlier conclusions concerning typology as a cultural and chronological benchmark. Copyright 2000 The Nautical Archaeology Society