Inscriptions from the Timbers of the Late Antique Ma‘agan Mikhael B Shipwreck

Abstract

This paper presents previously unpublished evidence of intriguing inscriptions discovered on the timbers of the Ma‘agan Mikhael B shipwreck, located off the coast of Israel and dating to the late seventh–early eighth centuries CE. It examines potential interpretations of these symbols, considering them as representations of Greek and Arabic letters, numerals, and possible abbreviations of words, proper names, or longer expressions. These inscriptions may reference, among other things, the calendar and religious beliefs.