Archaeologists have unearthed a fascinating piece of history in Ashkelon, Israel: a 6,000-year-old copper fishhook. This remarkable find is one of the oldest known fishhooks in the region and offers intriguing insights into the fishing practices of the Chalcolithic period. The discovery sheds light on the ancient diet and technological advancements of the era, revealing that shark was on the menu for these early coastal communities.
A Remarkable Discovery
The ancient fishhook was discovered in an agricultural village dating back to the Chalcolithic period. This village, located about four kilometers from the coast, was a hub of activity where residents engaged in livestock keeping, orchard tending, and crop cultivation. The fishhook, measuring 6.5 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide (2.5 by 1.5 inches), is made from perfectly preserved copper, a new technology at the time. Dr. Yael Abadi-Reiss, a senior researcher with the Israel Antiquities Authority, noted that most fishhooks from this period were still made of bone.
Deep-Sea Fishing Expeditions
The shape and size of the fishhook suggest it was used for catching smaller sharks, such as dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus), which still frequent Israel’s shores from November to May. These sharks likely played a significant role in the diet of the ancient villagers, although fishing was not a primary daily activity. Evidence indicates that deep-sea fishing expeditions were community events, possibly organized well in advance.
The Role of Copper Metallurgy
The village’s proximity to a copper metallurgy area, located a few hundred meters away, indicates that it was large enough to support specialists in metallurgy. Copper was the innovative material of the Chalcolithic period, marking the first time people used metallurgy to create tools. This fishhook’s creation in such a setting highlights the technological advancements of the era.
Excavation and Findings
The fishhook was uncovered in 2018 during excavations for a new neighborhood called Agamim, meaning “lakes” in Hebrew, named after the seasonal pond that once existed on the site. This seasonal pond was beneficial for ancient agriculture. The excavation revealed that the site, previously known for Byzantine and Roman agricultural structures, also contained an older village beneath it. Archaeologists dug trenches up to three meters deep, uncovering pottery shards, animal bones, and ancient building walls.
Daily Life and Diet
The villagers’ diet mainly consisted of livestock products, bread, olive oil, hummus, and lentils. However, the discovery of the fishhook and other fishing equipment suggests they also engaged in occasional deep-sea fishing. Despite the rarity of fishbones in refuse areas, the presence of fishing tools indicates that fishing, particularly for larger fish or sharks, was a notable activity during special occasions.
Preservation and Future Presentation
The fishhook’s preservation was so exceptional that Dr. Abadi-Reiss initially doubted its authenticity. However, lab tests confirmed its age and composition, making it a significant find. The fishhook will be presented at the 48th Archaeological Congress at Hebrew University’s Givat Ram campus in Jerusalem, allowing the public to view this unique artifact.
Conclusion
The discovery of the 6,000-year-old copper fishhook in Ashkelon provides a window into the Chalcolithic period’s advanced fishing practices and technological innovations. While the ancient village has been covered up for modern development, the data and artifacts collected ensure that this piece of history is preserved for future generations. This find not only enriches our understanding of ancient diets and lifestyles but also underscores the importance of archaeology in uncovering humanity’s past.
