The end of a scriptural breakfast have been reveal in the Levant , where archaeologists have uncovered eightostrich eggsnear a fire stone pit used by desert nomads in ancient times . Dated to between 4,000 and 7,500 years ago , the elephantine ova were found during an archeological site of the Nitzana sand dunes in Israel ’s Negev Desert .
If you ’re wondering how a clustering of vagabond managed to get grasp of such a delicacy in the heart of the desert , bear in mind thatostricheswere common in the region until they became out in the wild in the nineteenth century . have that one of their eggs contains about 25 times the nutritional value of achicken egg , it ’s scarcely surprising that ancient travelers sought them out as a source of solid food .
“ The proximity of the group of egg to the fire orchestra pit indicates that this is not a innate chance bump but the designed collecting of the eggs , ” say Davis . “ One of the egg was line up directly in the attack pit , strengthening the understanding that they were used as food for thought here . ”
Trays containing ostrich egg shell fragments (left) and flint tools (right). Image credit: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority
old excavations have unearthed ostrich testicle in funerary linguistic context and as decorations . Interestingly , however , ostrich bones are not find at archaeological situation in the area , imply that ancient bird of passage credibly did n’t fancy trying to take down a full - sized trouserless thundergoose but were content with theirenormous bum nuts .
“ Although the nomad did not build up permanent structures at this site , the discovery permit us to feel their presence in the desert , ” said Davis .
Despite being crush , the bollock are described as being exceptionally preserved . It ’s likely that the campsite at which they were make was covered by desert sands shortly after the traveller go on , only to be let out thousands of years later with the shift of the dunes . allot to Davis , the security provide by this ever - changing blanket of sand activate the eggs to remain in pristine condition over several millennia .
The researchers now plan to remodel the ballock “ like a [ jigsaw ] puzzle . ” In doing so , they go for to learn more about the exact specie of ostrich that put them and how they were used .
