Archaeologists have uncovered an ancient textile dyed with the Kermes vermilio insect, from the Cave of Skulls in Israel. This significant find dates back to the Middle Bronze Age (1954–1767 BC) and provides one of the earliest known instances of textile dyeing using insects. This discovery bridges a crucial gap between ancient literature and archaeological evidence, offering insights into the technological capabilities and economic conditions of early societies. Excavations in the Cave of Skulls The Cave of Skulls, located in Nahal Ze’elim in the Judean Desert, has been a site of archaeological interest since its initial excavation in 1960 and subsequent explorations in 2016. The cave's dry, stable conditions have preserved numerous organic artifacts, including over 430 textiles spanning various historical periods. Most textiles found there date to the Chalcolithic period (4500–3800 BC) or the Roman period, particularly the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt in the 2nd century AD. However, among these artifacts, a textile fragment dating to the Middle Bronze Age stood out due to its unique red dye. The detailed report has just been published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. Read moreSection: ArtifactsAncient TechnologyNewsHistory & ArchaeologyRead Later