1,200-Year-Old Jug Depicts Camels, Revealing Ancient Trade in Israel

A rare, 1,200-year-old clay jug adorned with camel images was unearthed in Israel's Yatir Forest. Discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) as part of a project to enhance public access to the Horvat 'Anim site, the jug was found in a cave that once served as an underground olive press before being repurposed as a dwelling. The jug's red-painted illustrations include geometric patterns and a camel caravan, reflecting the animal's key role in trade during the Abbasid period (9th-10th centuries CE). Researchers believe the cave was in use during the Abbasid period (9th-10th centuries CE), when camels dominated trade routes, helping to move goods across vast distances. The IAA's conservation efforts also include an ancient synagogue with mosaic floors and an olive press dating back 1,300 years. The olive press featured two large stones, known as "Judah Stones," used in conjunction with a wooden screw to extract oil. The discovery highlights the importance of camels in the early Islamic period, when they were essential for trade across the empire.