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.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
-
Political cartoons for February 15Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include political ventriloquism, Europe in the middle, and more
-
The broken water companies failing England and WalesExplainer With rising bills, deteriorating river health and a lack of investment, regulators face an uphill battle to stabilise the industry
-
A thrilling foodie city in northern JapanThe Week Recommends The food scene here is ‘unspoilt’ and ‘fun’
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
