Archaeologists discovered an Ottoman period building in Ashkelon, Israel. The building was once used by local inhabitants engaged in fishing along the Mediterranean coast.

The discovery was made at an area scheduled for building development. The Israel Antiquities Authority employed young residents of Askelon as an initiative to educate young people about the past. The excavations revealed a fisherman’s house and a lookout tower, possibly a lighthouse, dating back to the Ottoman period (1299 to 1922 AD). The tower is situated on a hilltop, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, to signal ships once sailing between ports in Ashkelon and Ashdod-Yam.

The building identified as a fisherman’s house  was divided into three rooms. Within them a number of artefacts were discovered, including metal fish-hooks, dozens of lead weights, a large bronze bell, and even a stone anchor. It is said to be the first building in Askhelon that can be attributed to past fishing industry. It is said to be preserved and incorporated in the development of the neighbourhood.

(after The Jewish Press)