Avner Raban

Avner Raban (May 15, 1937 - Febuary 11, 2004) was an Israeli maritime archaeologist, who recieved awards from UNESCO and the Italian government for his unique contribution to underwater research around the world.^[1][2][3]

Avner Raban
אבנר רבן
Born	15 May 1937 (age 87) Ramat David, Israel
Died	Oxford, England
Nationality	Israel
Academic work
Discipline	Archaeologist
Institutions	University of Haifa

Avner Raban was born in 1937 at Kibbutz Ramat David and completed his military service at Shayetet 13, where his intrest in maritime archaeology began. He graduated fine arts studies at the Oranim Academic College. In 1960 along with Dr. Elisha Linder he founded the Underwater Exploration Society of Israel that later joined CMAS led by Jacques Cousteau.^[1][2] He studied Geography and Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and recieced his B.A. in 1972. From 1974 he taught at the Department of Maritime Civilizations and the Center of Maritime Studies at University of Haifa. In 1981 he recieved his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later became a full proffesor at the Haifa university.^[1][4]

Avner Raban took part in many maritime expedition along the shores of the Mediterranean sea near Crete and sicily and Israel, as well as the coast of the Red sea. Among the more notable expeditions are those that uncovered the "Mercury Wreck" in the Red sea and that of the Yassi Ada shipwreck, near the shores of Turkey.^[1] He led expeditions along the shores of Israel, mainly focused at the ancient harbors of Athlit, Acre and Akhziv. His reseach and work on the Herodian harbor at Caesarea was the highlight of his career that brought him worldwide aclaim.^[1][4]

Avner Raban lived his entire life in Kibbutz Ramat David, was married Dina and they have four children.^[4]

• The Harbours of Caesarea Maritima, Parts i and ii^[5]
• Marine archaeology^[6]