Archaeologists in Israel have recovered bronze statues and thousands of coins from a merchant ship that sank off the Mediterranean coast some 1,600 years ago during the late Roman period.



The vessel was probably hit...

An Israeli scuba diver has found a Crusader-era sword in the Mediterranean sea near Caesarea, about 55 kilometres north of Tel Aviv, according to the Israeli Antiquities Authority. (Ronen Zvulun/Reuters)

Crusader Walls, Moat, Caesarea, Israel

Crusader Walls, Fortification and Moat, Caesarea, Israel

Aerial the ruins, including hippodrome aka Circus, of ancient Caesarea, Israel

Aerial the port and ruins of ancient Caesarea, Israel

Aerial Roman Aqueduct of ancient Caesarea, Israel

Aerial the Roman Aqueduct of ancient Caesarea, Israel

Aerial the Amphitheatre built by Herod the Great, ancient Caesarea, Israel

Ancient Roman city of Caesarea, Israel

Pillars in ancient Roman city of Caesarea, Israel

Caesar's marble statues, Israel

Walls and city gate (Porta Caesarea), Salona

Aerial the Amphitheatre built by Herod the Great, ancient Caesarea, Israel

Hippodrome, Caesarea, Israel

Roman Theater, Caesarea, Israel

WS People walking at Caesarea historic site / Caesarea, Mechoz Cheifa, Israel

WS PAN People walking at Caesarea historic site / Caesarea, Mechoz Cheifa, Israel

Amphitheatre in Caesarea, Israel

Ancient Roman city of Caesarea; pillars in main street, Israel

Amphitheatre in Caesarea, Israel

Ancient Roman city of Caesarea, Israel, Long shot

WS PAN Ruins of old cesarea / Cesarea, Sharonplane, Israel

Egged Tour bus / Shots of tourists at ruins of Caesarea Maritima / Walking back to bus / Egged Tours on May 11, 1962 in Caesarea, Israel (Footage by Getty Images)