Signs of ancient harbor found in Israel

AKKO, Israel, July 20 (UPI) -- Israeli archaeologists say the remains of a magnificent ancient harbor were uncovered during a dig in Akko, a city at the northern tip of Haifa Bay.

Archaeologists with the Israel Antiquities Authority unearthed large mooring stones that were incorporated in a harbor quay used to secure sailing vessels that anchored in the harbor in the Hellenistic period of the third and second centuries B.C., Ynetnews reported.

The port was Israel's largest and most important at the time, and was most likely a military harbor, Kobi Sharvit, director of the Marine Archaeology Unit of the Israel Antiquities Authority, said.

"A find was uncovered recently that suggests we are excavating part of the military port of Akko. We are talking about an impressive section of stone pavement about 8 meters (25 feet) long by about 5 meters (15 feet) wide," Sharvit said.

"Presumably this is a slipway, an installation that was used for lifting boats onto the shore, probably warships in this case," he said.