Ancient Israelite Site Reveals Seasonal Industry and Purple Dye Production

A new study of Tel Shikmona, an 8th-9th century BCE industrial site on Israel's Mount Carmel coast, reveals a more complex and planned operation than previously understood. The research, published in PLOS ONE, indicates that the site was utilized year-round for various activities, including olive pressing in the fall, animal husbandry in the winter, and textile production in the spring. Researchers utilized infrared spectroscopy and microscopic analysis of sediment samples from the 2023 excavation to identify materials and heat exposure, uncovering evidence of these seasonal uses.

Evidence for olive pressing included a stone and olive fragments, while microscopic remains of animal droppings and trampling signs indicated a winter period as a pen. Two spindle weights found in situ pointed to textile manufacturing, likely occurring in the spring. The study suggests that ash layers found between different usage periods may have served as a disinfectant and pest control measure, facilitating planned transitions between activities.

Tel Shikmona was a fortified industrial site and a significant economic center under the Kingdom of Israel, known for being the largest known purple dye production facility from the Iron Age in the Mediterranean. While the exact timing of the purple dye production remains undetermined, it was integrated into the site's cyclical activities. Researchers noted that the detailed story preserved in the soil layers offers a richer understanding of the site's operations than larger structural findings alone.

According to Dr. Oglublin-Ramirez, the microscopic traces allow for reconstruction of not only what happened in a structure but also how its use changed over time. Professor Prizem added that combining archaeological and micro-archaeological findings enhances the understanding of ancient activities, suggesting similar patterns might be found at other sites. He highlighted that efficiency and maximum resource utilization were as characteristic of ancient societies as they are today.