A diver spotted a sword on the bottom of the sea off the coast of Israel, which is believed to date back nine centuries to the Crusades.

The Israel Antiquities Authority said the meter-long blade, hilt and handle were distinctive enough to notice, despite it being encrusted with shells and various marine organisms.

It was found in a natural cove near the port city of Haifa, said Kobi Sharvit, director of the authority's marine archaeology unit.

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"These conditions have attracted merchant ships down the ages, leaving behind rich archaeological finds," he said.

Crusaders were Christian knights who most famously sought to release Jerusalem from Islamic rule between 1095 and 1291.

Jacob Sharvit, director of marine archaeology at the Israel Antiquities Authority, said the sword was very heavy.

"It's heavy because of the stones that are glued to it and also because it's an iron sword and very big one.

"That means that the guy who held this sword and fought with it was very strong. I'm trying to imagine him on the field with all the armor on him and the sword and fighting with it. 

"He must have been very fit - maybe they were bigger than us today but definitely stronger. It's amazing."

The sword will be put on display after it has been cleaned and restored.

Cover picture: Jacob Sharvit of the Israel Antiquities Authority holds the sword. /Reuters