- Eggs are estimated to be between 4,000 and 7,500 years old.
- They had been uncovered during an archaeological dig.
- Additional examination of the eggs will reveal more about their uses and age.
Eight ancient ostrich eggs, estimated to be between 4,000 and 7,500 years old, were found close to an old fire pit in the Negev, a desert area in the south of Israel, and they turned out to be treasured by archaeologists there.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Thursday that they had been uncovered during an archaeological dig in the Beer Milka farmlands.
Additional examination of the eggs will reveal more about their uses and age.“We found a campsite, which extends over about 200 sq. m (2,153 square feet) that was used by the desert nomads since prehistoric times,” Lauren Davis, the IAA excavation director, said in the release.
“At the site, we found burnt stones, flint, and stone tools as well as pottery sherds, but the truly special find is this collection of ostrich eggs. Although the nomads did not build permanent structures at this site, the finds allow us to feel their presence in the desert.”
Davis added that the campsites were covered over by the dunes, keeping the eggs exceptionally well-preserved.
“It is interesting, that whilst ostrich eggs are not uncommon in excavations, the bones of the large bird are not found. This may indicate that in the ancient world, people avoided tackling the ostrich and were content with collecting their eggs,” said Amir Gorzalczany, senior research archaeologist from IAA, in the release.
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