Ancient metal workers were not slaves but highly regarded craftsmen
Friday, August 29, 2014 - 04:01
in Paleontology & Archaeology
In the course of ongoing excavations at Timna Valley, archaeologists analyzed remnants of food eaten by copper smelters 3,000 years ago. This analysis indicates that the laborers operating the furnaces were in fact skilled craftsmen who enjoyed high social status and adulation. They believe their discovery may have ramifications for similar sites across the region.