What is it about?
Archaeological excavations at the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2900–2500 BCE) site of Tell es-Safi/Gath, have uncovered four donkeys burials underneath the floors of homes. Isotopic analysis performed in the lab after recovery has revealed that these animals were born and raised in Egypt before travelling to the Levant for sacrifice. The animals were all female and seemingly healthy in the prime of their lives. To sacrifice such a key animal is an exaggerated display of wealth, or position in society and it is likely that the individuals who performed these sacrificial acts were traders and merchants with important connections to Egypt. Researchers do not yet know the precise reasons behind the rituals but suggest they may have been symbolic gestures to convey social standing and a way to protect homes and ensure prosperity.
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Photo by Anna Kaminova on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Donkeys played a vital role in not only economics and trade, but also in status, and ritual practices in the ancient Near East. The deliberate selection and burial of Egyptian donkeys as part of ancient ritual highlights that cross-cultural influences have long been highlighted and celebrated in society.
Perspectives
Current thinking about why these animals were brought from Egypt to be sacrificed links to the group's identity as merchants and traders. This would have been a key animal for that position in society to move goods, and resources. To sacrifice such a key animal is an exaggerated display of wealth, or position in society. Selecting donkeys only from Egypt likely highlighted this connection with a key trading partner. Given the strength of the Egyptian civilization at this time (during the Old Kingdom period), highlighting this link would have further transferred prestige.
Elizabeth Arnold
Grand Valley State University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An isotopic perspective on equid selection in cult at Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel, PLOS One, July 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326421.
You can read the full text:
Resources
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