World · India Bureau
Ancient Israelis relied on reptiles for survival 15,000 years ago
Archaeological evidence suggests that early human populations in the Levant region supplemented their diet with snakes and lizards during the hunter-gatherer period. The findings provide new insights into the dietary practices of prehistoric communities.
LSN India ·
Recent archaeological research has revealed that humans inhabiting the region of present-day Israel consumed snakes and lizards as part of their regular diet approximately 15,000 years ago, during the Epipaleolithic period. This discovery offers important clues about the subsistence strategies and food procurement methods of early human societies in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The dietary pattern reflects the adaptive nature of prehistoric hunter-gatherers who exploited available animal resources in their environment. Reptiles, though not as protein-rich as larger game animals, would have provided a reliable and accessible food source, particularly during seasons when other prey was scarce.
The findings are based on faunal remains recovered from archaeological sites in the region, which contain bone fragments and other evidence of butchering and consumption. Such discoveries underscore the opportunistic feeding habits of Paleolithic populations and their ability to utilize diverse animal species for survival.
This research contributes to a broader understanding of human adaptation and nutrition in prehistoric times. The consumption of reptiles alongside other available fauna demonstrates the flexibility and resourcefulness of ancient communities in sustaining themselves in the Levantine landscape during the early postglacial period.