Archaeologists discover 100 prehistoric 'cult sites' in Israel, featuring penis-shaped stone structures

In the Eilat Mountains, a dry part of Israel's Negev Desert, archaeologists have discovered 100 ancient "cult sites," and many of them feature penis stone structures as well as vulva shapes cut into artifacts.

The sites date to roughly 8,000 years ago. Many of them include stone circles five to eight feet wide, complete with the penis structures. In the Journal of the Israel Prehistoric Society, the team describes the find as unusual, given the "small number of known Neolithic habitations" in the area.

The archaeologists believe the sites were used for ritual activities, and bones found nearby suggest animal sacrifice. The team also believes the genital representations symbolize fertility. Stone objects placed upside down at the sites, meanwhile, represent death. The archaeologists note that ancient cultures often believed fertility and death "go hand in hand," Live Science reports.

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The archaeologists believe there are other cult sites nearby that have yet to be discovered, and they plan to survey more sites in the area.