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Israel

4000-year-old ostrich eggs discovered in Negev Desert

Ostriches were common in the region until the 19th century and their eggs had diverse uses

January 13, 2023 16:54
Lauren Davis, excavation manager of the southern district at the Israel Antiquities Authority shows a fresh ostrich egg used for illustration next to older egg fragments dating over 4000 years old next to an ancient fire pit at a site in the dunes in the western Negev desert (GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
2 min read

Ancient ostrich eggs have been discovered alongside a fire pit in Israel’s Negev region.

Israel Antiquities Authority announced the fragments of eight eggs in the Nitzana dunes on Thursday.

Excavation director Lauren Davis said in a statement that the site “was used by the desert nomads since prehistoric times,” and her team believes the 200 sq mile campsite could be up to 7,500 years old. 

“At the site, we found burnt stones, flint, and stone tools as well as pottery shards – 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,” Ms Davis continued.