Building a Replica of the Ma'agan Mikhael Ancient Ship 

In order to advance the study of shipping in antiquity and to extend our knowledge of the Ma'agan Mikhael ship, the plan is to build a replica of this ship. It will be built by an identical method of "shell-first construction", with similar materials to those utilized by the ancient shipwright. The intention is to sail this replica across the Mediterranean Sea, making use of ancient navigation means and methods. Similar replication ventures of historical ships have been undertaken in other seafaring countries: our Greek colleagues constructed a full scale replica of the 4th century BCE merchantship discovered and excavated near Kyrenia, Cyprus. The Danes built replicas of Viking ships at the Maritime Archaeological Museum and Research Center in Roskilde, Denmark. 

Students and scientists of various maritime study disciplines, from Israel and from different countries bordering the Mediterranean shores will board the Ma'agan Mikhael Ship replica along its sailing route. Thus, this ancient new ship will also serve as an ambassador of good will and peace and enhance collaboration with neighboring countries. With the establishment of a laboratory workshop for students studying maritime archaeology, a truly unique opportunity has been created: namely, that both students and researches can be totally involved in the building of a replica of the Ma'agan Mikhael ancient ship. The workshop will impart to the students the academic/technical/mechanical skills required for both investigating methods in this field and presenting physical replicas and academic reports.