The discovery of one of the world’s oldest metal fishhooks was recently announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The bronze hook is overly large, measuring 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long by 1.6 inches (4 cm) wide. The discovery was made in 2018 during preparations for the construction of a new neighborhood at Ashkelon. The hook was unearthed in the remains of a Chalcolithic house, allowing archaeologists to positively date the artifact. Given its size, the hook is believed to have been used by ancient fishermen in the coastal village to fish for sharks and/or other large fish. The artifact will be put on display for the first time at the upcoming 48th Archaeological Congress in Israel. In the Bible, fishing is most often associated with the disciples in the New Testament. However, fishing is alluded to in the Old Testament as well, both with the use of nets (Ez 47:10) and fishhooks (Am 4:2).
OFF-SITE LINKS:
- https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-735762
- https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-03-29/ty-article/israeli-archaeologists-find-one-of-worlds-oldest-metal-fishhooks-and-its-for-sharks/00000187-1e8c-d4ca-afff-1f8c11da0000
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