Could dead sea anchor be from Herod's royal yacht?

An Israeli archaeologist has discovered what he says is a unique Roman-era wooden anchor on the shores of the Dead Sea, preserved by the water’s high salt and mineral content.

Archaeologist Gideon Hadas said he would like to believe – but has no proof - that the anchor came from a royal yacht of biblical King Herod who ruled Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth and had a palace on nearby Mount Masada.

The 2000-year-old anchor, about six feet tall, was found last month when it was protruding from the banks, revealed by the receding waterline.

Other wooden anchors from that period have long since disintegrated, but the unique conditions of the Dead Sea – with its high concentration of salts and minerals – have helped to preserve this anchor, said Hadas.

“The Dead Sea pickles everything,” said Hadas, who found the anchor during a walk on the western shore, close to his home, Kibbutz Ein Gedi.

Hadas said that while there is no record of Herod having a boat, it is recorded that in his old age he would travel from Masada to hot springs on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea for treatments.

“It is unlikely the ailing king travelled all the way around through the harsh desert by donkey,” Hadas said. “He would probably have gone by boat.”

Herod is known for building the second Jewish Temple and also beheading John the Baptist at the behest of Salome, serving it to her on a platter.

A special sled was constructed to pull the anchor to Kibbutz Ein Gedi where it will be examined. The lower half of the anchor is still caked in Dead Sea sediment, the mud renowned for its therapeutic qualities.