Jezebel: ancient world

Of Human Bondage

Sadie — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EDT

A new book explores the ancient city of Cahokia, which lay along the Mississippi. Along with elaborate infrastructure, archeologists have uncovered evidence of large-scale human sacrifice, including two prominent men surrounded by the sacrificed corpses of 53 "lower-status women." [Salon]

Toiletries Of The Bible

Sadie — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:40:00 EST

Highly dubious archaeological find: a group of Franciscan archaeologists have discovered "vials of perfume similar to those that may have been used by the woman said to have washed Jesus' feet" in "the biblical town of Magdala" (read: the Israeli town Migdal.) While the find is undeniably fantastic — the oils were uncovered intact alongside other cosmetics and hair accessories — a priest's claim that "it's very likely that the woman who anointed Christ's feet used these ointments, or products that were similar in composition and quality," seems harder to prove — even if this was Mary Magdalene's home town. [Reuters]

Found Art

Sadie — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST

A 2,000 year old gold earring was just found beneath a parking lot near Jerusalem's Old City. And it's nice: "A large pearl inlaid in gold with two drop pieces, each with an emerald and pearl set in gold," which would obviously have belonged to someone of status. Because Jerusalem was sacked so many times, and most precious metals were melted down or sold, such intact finds are rare — especially Roman ones. The piece is valuable not merely for its beauty but because it "brings attention to the life of women in antiquity." [LiveScience]