Archaeologists Uncover 3,800-Year-Old Scarlet-Dyed Textile in Israel

The rare fabric, found in the Judean Desert, reveals ancient trade networks and dyeing techniques using crushed insects.

The textile, discovered in the Cave of Skulls, is the earliest evidence of Biblical scarlet dye.
Dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, the fabric's dye comes from the Kermes vermilio insect.
The dye's production was a complex process, limited to a brief annual window and requiring significant effort.
Analysis shows the dye originated from the Mediterranean region, indicating extensive ancient trade.
The discovery highlights the interconnectedness of ancient societies and the prestige of scarlet dye.