A rare 1,200-year-old clay jug with camel illustrations was unearthed at Horvat ‘Anim in the Yatir Forest of Israel during excavations being carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
The discovery provides new details about trade and everyday life in the region during the Abbasid period (9th–10th centuries CE). The excavation, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), is developing the site for public visits.
The jug, which is decorated with intricate red geometric patterns, features depictions of camels and one other unidentified animal—possibly an ostrich or donkey.
As IAA archaeologist Oren Shmueli explained, “The fact that camels appear in the jug’s illustrations highlights their significance at the time. Camels transported goods across the empire and were essential to the economy. In the Roman and Byzantine periods, goods were typically transported by sea via ships or by land using carts, but in the Islamic period, the camel took precedence as the dominant land transport, replacing the Roman ship with the ‘ship of the desert.'”
The vessel was discovered in a cave that was originally an olive press before it was converted into a dwelling. The olive press, dated to about 1,300 years ago, is a fine example of early industrial production. Shmueli stated, “The uniqueness of the olive press in Yatir Forest lies in its well-organized and advanced construction for its time. It was an ancient factory equipped with a sophisticated and expensive machine for its era.” The press featured large stones and a wooden screw mechanism to extract oil, which was collected in a central basin.
Excavation at the site also revealed a Byzantine-era synagogue, originally discovered 40 years ago, that has been subjected to extensive conservation. The synagogue features stunning mosaic floors.
The findings were presented at the 20th Annual Southern Research Conference of the Israel Antiquities Authority at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Yifat Ovadia Luski, chairperson of KKL-JNF, pointed out how they strengthen the bond with the rich heritage of the Negev.
Minister of Heritage Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu said, “The Negev holds many layers of history, and each discovery sheds light on another aspect of our past. I welcome the efforts to preserve these sites and invite the public to explore our shared heritage.”
As the excavation and conservation work continue, plans are in the pipeline to open the Horvat ‘Anim site to visitors so that people can experience firsthand the rich history of the region.
