Archaeologists Discover Rare Evidence of the First Ancient Purple Dye Production Factory

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Located at Tel Shiqmona in coastal Israel, the facility turned sea snails into purple dye at an industrial scale

Eli Wizevich – History Correspondent

In the biblical text of Exodus, there is a directive from God to Moses concerning offerings from the Israelites, including various materials like blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as well as fine linen. These items highlight the importance of color in ancient cultures, particularly the significance of purple dye, which has long been associated with stature and royalty.

Recent findings from an archaeological investigation reported in the journal PLOS One have revealed that a site in present-day Israel operated as a large-scale production facility for purple dye—an unprecedented find in historical terms.

The excavation site, known as Tel Shiqmona, is located near Haifa. Researchers have uncovered a remarkable collection of artifacts directly linked to the dyeing process, with over 135 objects bearing purple stains, indicating a deep connection to the textile industry.

According to lead researcher Golan Shalvi from the University of Chicago, this site has produced about twice the quantity of dye-related artifacts than all known similar locations combined. The facility operated commercially, illustrating the extent to which the production of dye permeated the economy of the Iron Age, approximately 1100 to 600 B.C.E.

Contrary to past research suggesting that large-scale dye production began only during the Roman era, co-author Ayelet Gilboa from the University of Haifa asserts that evidence from Tel Shiqmona points to industrial dye production occurring as early as the ninth century B.C.E., indicating that this was an organized industrial activity rather than individual crafts.

The site’s coastal location facilitated its growth from a small Phoenician fishing village into a major center for dye production. The well-known Tyrian purple dye is extracted from sea snails belonging to the murex family. These snails produce a fluid that oxidizes to a rich purple upon exposure to air, a phenomenon expertly harnessed through an intricate chemical process. However, the details of that process in ancient times remain somewhat elusive.

Shalvi notes that the dye-making process likely created overpowering odors, indicating a challenging environment for workers in that era. Archaeological findings at Tel Shiqmona include substantial vats, measuring over three feet tall with a capacity of approximately 92 gallons, designed for bulk dyeing. During peak times, multiple vats—between 15 and 20—were in operation simultaneously, underscoring the site’s industrial scale.

Gilboa emphasizes that a systematic production model was established at Tel Shiqmona, indicating it was a prominent manufacturing hub of its time. This industrial output highlights how the Kingdom of Israel managed to establish a stronghold in luxury textile production from the ninth century B.C.E. onward, tying the craft to elite status.

Scholarly speculation suggests that after the kingdom succumbed to the Neo-Assyrian Empire around 722 B.C.E., the facility’s operations might have diminished temporarily before resuming large-scale production under Assyrian rule.

Although the region’s humid climate raises doubts about the preservation of textiles from this period, previous archaeological digs in drier locales have revealed purple-dyed fabric remnants that date back to approximately 1000 B.C.E. The precise origins of these dyed materials—whether from Tel Shiqmona or other nearby locations—remain uncertain. Nonetheless, the existence of such a specialized production site is highly valuable for understanding ancient dye manufacturing techniques.

The significance of Tel Shiqmona as a dedicated industrial center enriches archaeological narratives by providing insights into the scale of economic activities specific to dye production in the ancient Mediterranean. As expressed by archaeologist Aaron Schmitt of Heidelberg University, who was not part of the excavations, the discovery of such a focused industrial site is both remarkable and carries substantial implications for our understanding of historical textile dyeing practices.

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