Archeozoology in Eretz Israel 
Israeli Stamps issued August 2018


The term archeozoology, the scientific field that studies animal bones 
found in archeological excavations, is composed of three Greek words. 
Archeo – ancient, Zoo – animals and Ology – field of study. In other words, 
the study of ancient animals. A number of unique findings have been made 
in excavations in Eretz Israel, including: the bones of a Syrian bear 
in Tel Hadid dating from the Bronze Age (Israelite) (930-586 BCE). 
The location and period are reminiscent of the biblical story of the 
prophet Elisha and the bears in Kings II; the bones of a hippopotamus 
found at Tel Qasile (Napoleon Hill) on the banks of the Jordan River 
(10th century BCE) between Tel Aviv and Ramat Gan. The remains of an 
ancient hippopotamus from the Pottery Neolithic Period (5500-4500 BCE) 
were also discovered in the Ramat Aviv area of Tel Aviv. The Israel 
Philatelic Service previously issued a stamp featuring a dinosaur whose 
fossilized footprints were discovered on the banks of the Tethys Sea, 
on a kibbutz near Jerusalem.
 
Elephant, Holon, Acheulean Stone-work

The median Acheulean period belongs geologically to the Pleistocene epoch. 
The excavations were carried out by Dr. Tamar Noy in 1960. The elephant 
remains date from the late Lower Paleolithic period – the early Stone Age 
(1,000,000 – 120,000 years ago). The site is located on the third eolianite 
ridge east of the sea. The elephant tusk relic is on display in the 
pre-historic exhibit at the Israel Museum, alongside elephant bones from 
the Daughters of Jacob Bridge.
 
Lioness, Jaffa, Late Bronze Age

The Late Bronze Age is also known as the Late Canaanite Age (1300-1200 BCE). 
Archeologist Dr. Jacob Kaplan believed that the place where the lioness' 
remains were discovered was a pre-Philistine temple thought to be dedicated 
to the lion. The remains were dated to the interim period when the sea people 
(including the Philistines) entered Eretz Israel from the south. Until recently, 
the skull was kept on the top floor of the Jaffa Museum.
 
Dr. Moshe Sadeh
Archeozoologist