An isotopic perspective on equid selection in cult at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel Archaeological excavations of an Early Bronze Age III (c. 2900–2600/2550 BCE) domestic neighborhood at the site of Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel, uncovered four complete skeletons of young female donkeys…

At Early Bronze Age Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, 4 young donkeys—born in Egypt—were ritually buried under house floors. New isotopic evidence shows they weren’t just livestock, but sacred offerings in home construction. 🐴🏠✨ #Archaeology #BronzeAge #DonkeyBurial

The Donkeys Buried Beneath the Floor Egyptian Imports, Everyday Rituals, and the Politics of Animal Sacrifice in Early Bronze Age Canaan

Four donkeys buried beneath Bronze Age homes in Israel were young, female, and Egyptian. New isotope data shows ritual animal sacrifice crossed borders and class. #Archaeology #AncientTrade #BronzeAge #Isotopes #HumanEvolution #DonkeyBurial @plosone.org