A Biblical royal purple

The Timna Valley, 220 km south of Jerusalem, is the site of archeological excavations that have revealed woven fabrics dyed with purple.

Royal purple is often mentioned in the Bible and, because it is produced from Mediterranean marine molluscs in minute quantities, was more expensive than gold. The discovery of these textiles, dyed with the beautiful colour that was reserved for royalty and priests, is the first time that they have been dicovered in the region, dating from 3000 years ago! You can read more about this exciting find on the BBC news website and a more in-depth article here.

(Picture courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)