18th-century anchor sheds light on Jeddah maritime history in Red Sea Museum

Jeddah, Mar 31 (SPA/APP): A historic iron anchor greets visitors at the Red Sea Museum in Historic Jeddah, offering a tangible glimpse into maritime activity in the Red Sea over the past two centuries.
Dating back to the mid-to-late 18th century, the anchor was discovered along the Red Sea coast near Jeddah. Today, it stands as one of the museum’s most striking artifacts, measuring about 2.7 meters in length and weighing between 350 and 400 kilograms.
The piece has been carefully reconstructed using 3D scanning and digital restoration technologies, allowing experts to restore its original form with a high degree of scientific accuracy.
Laboratory analysis using portable X-ray fluorescence confirmed the anchor is made of iron. Its design, featuring a long shank, straight arms, and shovel-shaped flukes, closely resembles British anchors from the 18th century, a style also used by Portuguese fleets at the time. The similarities point to the extent of European maritime influence in the Red Sea during that era.
Beyond its technical features, the anchor highlights the Red Sea’s historical role as a major trade and cultural corridor. Ports such as Jeddah served as key hubs connecting global trade routes and facilitating cultural exchange over the centuries.
The Red Sea Museum continues to offer visitors an immersive cultural experience through its collections, with a platform for promoting dialogue and cultural exchange. It aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural heritage as part of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.
The initiative is part of efforts to revitalize Historic Jeddah and transform it into a global cultural destination, blending a rich heritage of history and art and offering visitors a quality experience that bridges the past and the future.