“Shocking Discoveries: Ancient Burial Site in Israel Reveals Dark Secrets of Human Trafficking”
Dr. Martin David Pasternak at the excavation site.
However, one particular artifact — an amulet depicting the Egyptian deity Bes — led researchers to question whether goods were the only things transported by these caravans.
Evidence Of Ancient Human Trafficking In Israel
The Egyptian god Bes was known as a protector of women and children, and the presence of an amulet depicting the deity at the site indicates that women were buried there.
Israel Antiquities AuthorityThe amulet of the god Bes, the ancient Egyptian protector of women and children.
“In light of the presence of special artifacts, we assume that many of the deceased were women, and it is possible that the trade caravans conducted human trafficking,” stated the researchers.
Historical records from the first millennium B.C.E. describe how women were purchased from places like Gaza, Egypt, and Greece. It’s possible that the women buried at the site were being trafficked along Israeli trade routes from these locations. But why were they laid to rest there at all?
Officials came up with two theories. The first is that the site may have been used over several generations for various trade caravans passing through the area. Conversely, the tombs could be part of a single mass burial for a large caravan that came under attack.
Israel Antiquities AuthorityArchaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority excavating the ancient burial site.
“The tombs are not found near any sites, settlements or fortresses that could explain their presence so that they are thought to be a mystery,” stated the researchers. “However, it should be noted that they are situated at a central junction of roads leading through the Negev Highlands to the Arava. It appears that the remains are related to the traders from southern Arabia who were known for their long-distance journeys and who traded, among other things, incense such as frankincense and myrrh. Naturally, these journeys would have taken months under difficult circumstances such as climate, the danger of raiders and other challenges.”
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