Fish in ancient Jerusalem: Trade and consumption of fish in an inland site from the Iron Ages to the Early Islamic period

The ichthyological evidence that is available for the import and trade of fish into ancient Jerusalem is sum-marized against the backdrop of social and political developments of the Iron Ages to Early Islamic periods (10th century BCE to 10th century CE). Fish remains, originating from the Nile River, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and the Lake of Galilee, are regularly found in excavations of Jerusalem. Jerusalem's nearest water source, the Gihon spring, does not allow for fish habitation, therefore the remains of fish represent trade imports. The aim of this paper is to assess the production and trade of fish through the lens of new assemblages from the City of David, in Area D3, and from the Givati Parking Lot excavations, in Area 10, dating to the 8th through 2nd centuries BCE. These finds also allowed us to explore production and consumption within ancient urban centers that engaged in long-distance commerce. These assemblages, paired with previously published assemblages, allow for an in-depth diachronic perspective of fish consumption and trade. Results of this research indicate that production techniques varied by species and that trade was sustained after the destruction of the city in 586 BCE. It also attests to changes in trade and consumption as a reaction to political and cultural changes in the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Automated summary

This paper summarizes the ichthyological evidence for the import and trade of fish into ancient Jerusalem from the Nile River, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, and Lake of Galilee against the backdrop of social and political developments. The research examines the production and trade of fish based on new assemblages from archaeological excavations in the City of David and the Givati Parking Lot dating from the 8th to 2nd centuries BCE. The findings reveal variations in production techniques by species and the continuity of trade even after the city's destruction. The study also highlights changes in trade and consumption in response to political and cultural shifts in different historical periods.