Archaeologists discovered an escape tunnel built by the Crusaders in their citadel in Tiberias,  western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Israel, 800 years ago providing safe passage from the fortress to the Sea of Galilee.

The tunnel, built of dressed basalt stones, was discovered near the promenade of the Old City of Tiberias. Archaeologists believe that the 6.5 metre tunnel may very likely have been a secret passage leading from the citadel to the sea, and probably provided a safe route for a maritime escape in times of danger. The sources describe the siege imposed by the Muslim General Saladin on the citadel in July 1187, in which Princess Eschiva, wife of the knight Raymond of Tripoli, was confined. Raymond directed his wife to escape to the harbour and board a ship where she would stay until he came to rescue her.

Other finds from the excavations include remnants of Ottoman walls and floors, as well as numerous tobacco pipes from the Ottoman period.

(after Yair Amitzur, Joppe Gosker & The Jewish Press)