Canaanite Jars Reveal Thousands-Year-Old Olives

Archaeologists excavating at Tel Shiloh, a site traditionally identified with biblical Shiloh, have unearthed ancient food remains. These discoveries were found within Canaanite-era storage jars buried beneath a later Israelite ritual deposit. The excavation team identified olives and lentils within the jars, with some olive pits showing evidence of preservation by fire. This preservation likely resulted from an ancient fire event, effectively sealing the food for millennia.

The jars were located adjacent to an ancient Canaanite fortification wall. Before reaching the storage vessels, archaeologists excavated a separate deposit containing approximately 10,000 animal bones and various artifacts, including gold and silver objects. This deposit was identified as a favissa, a special cache for deliberately buried items rather than everyday waste.

Researchers are eager to conduct radiocarbon dating on the preserved olive pits, anticipating Middle Bronze Age results. Further excavations are planned for the following year to better understand the context of the jars, whether they were part of a kitchen or a larger storage area within the ancient settlement. The findings are currently undergoing restoration for further study.