Iron Age Site Revealed as Ancient Purple Dye Factory

Quick Summary:

• Location: Tel Shiqmona, a coastal settlement in modern-day Israel.
• Timeline: Production of Tyrian purple dye occurred from 1100 BC to about 600 BC.
• transition: Initially a small Phoenician village producing purple dye, the site later transitioned into a fortified production center as the Kingdom of israel expanded.
• Scale: Archaeological findings include vats capable of holding up to 350 liters and 176 artefacts linked to dye production-135 stained items were recovered. The facility is claimed to be unique in terms of long-term industrial-scale manufacturing during the Iron Age.
• Material: Tyrian purple was extracted from Muricidae sea snails, requiring complex chemical processing for textile use. The process emitted strong smells and left dyed wool drying across the site.
• Historical Context: Dye production fluctuated based on regional control-from expansion under Israelite rule (900-720 BC) to its revival by Assyrians post-Israel’s fall and abandonment after Babylonian conquest (~600 BC).
• Cultural Significance: purple dye symbolized wealth, power, elite status, and religious rituals.