“Shocking Discoveries: Ancient Burial Site in Israel Reveals Dark Secrets of Human Trafficking”
Uncovering The Burial Site In The Negev Highlands
Israel Antiquities AuthorityEgyptian scarabs unearthed at the burial site.
According to a statement from the Israel Antiquities Authority, an excavation in the Negev Highlands near Tlalim Junction revealed dozens of graves within two tombs that were likely used by ancient trade caravans. The tombs date to between the seventh and fifth centuries B.C.E., and they are located at a crossroads of heavily traveled trade routes.
Artifacts found within the graves, such as flint arrowheads, suggest that merchants from Egypt, Phoenicia, and even Yemen were traveling through the area.
Israel Antiquities AuthorityArrowheads found at the site likely originated in Yemen.
“The unique concentration of flint artifacts uncovered in the site are unparalleled in Israel and the only source that we know of is Yemen and Oman,” said Dr. Jacob Vardi, an expert on flint tools at the Israel Antiquities Authority. “We found traces of red ochre on some of the artifacts — a substance that was used in ancient cultures to symbolize blood and for other decorative purposes. The presence of ochre on these arrowheads may indicate their religious or cultic significance as having special value.”
Archaeologists also found copper and silver jewelry, colorful stone beads, rare shells, and alabaster vessels. “The great variety of finds are evidence that this previously unknown site was a place of burial for trade caravans during that period and burial and cultic practices took place here,” said Dr. Martin David Pasternak, the director of the excavation.
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