Ancient Jug with Camel Art Unearthed in Israel Reveals Abbasid Trade Dynamics

A rare 1,200-year-old clay jug, intricately decorated with images of camels, has been discovered in a cave in Israel’s Yatir Forest, revealing new insights into trade and daily life during the Abbasid Caliphate. The Israel Antiquities Authority announced the find on Thursday, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance.

Unearthed in the southern Hebron Hills region, the jug dates back to the 9th or 10th century CE, a period when camels served as essential drivers of land-based trade. “The creators chose to paint two camels on the vessel, indicating their great importance during the Abbasid period,” explained archaeologists Oren Shmueli, Dr. Davida Dagan, and Dr. Anat Cohen-Weinberger of the Israel Antiquities Authority, along with Dr. Katya Citrin from the Hebrew University.

Camels, often referred to as the “ships of the desert,” were the lifeline of commerce in the ancient Middle East, particularly during Islamic rule. Their inclusion in artwork reflects not only their physical presence but also their economic and cultural stature.

The jug was found in a cave once used as an underground olive oil press, later repurposed into a dwelling. The site, Horbat Anim, is rich in archaeological history, having previously yielded a magnificent Byzantine-era synagogue with ornate mosaics, evidencing the coexistence of Jewish and Christian communities in the area known as "Droma."

The oil press itself, excavated last year, features an advanced design for its time what Shmueli describes as “an ancient factory.” Two massive stones formed part of a mechanism that once extracted olive oil using a wooden screw and a central basin. This discovery underscores the region’s long-standing role in agricultural and economic production.

The jug’s artistic style includes red geometric designs and depictions of what appears to be a caravan possibly a camel alongside an ostrich or donkey. These motifs not only highlight the camel’s economic role but also reflect the vibrant visual culture of the Abbasid period.

Tel Aviv University archaeologists have previously confirmed that domesticated camels arrived in the region around the 9th century BCE. Their introduction marked a transformative moment in the development of trade networks, especially in arid and semi-arid environments.

As part of a KKL-JNF initiative, the excavation is making the site more accessible to the public, offering a tangible connection to Israel’s deep and diverse historical layers.

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