Recent research from Tel Aviv University has overturned long-held beliefs about the environmental impact of King Solomon’s Mines. The study, led by Prof. Erez Ben-Yosef and colleagues, focused on ancient copper production in the Timna Valley, revealing that pollution levels were far lower than previously thought and localized to areas around smelting furnaces. Advanced geochemical surveys indicated that lead, the primary pollutant, decreased to less than 200 parts per million a short distance from the furnaces, which is considered safe compared to modern industrial standards.
The findings challenge previous claims about ancient copper production contributing to global pollution and suggest that only workers at the furnaces were at risk from inhalation of toxic fumes, while surrounding areas remained safe. The researchers also pointed out that previous studies from the 1990s had incorrectly portrayed ancient metallurgy as a significant source of industrial pollution. The study aligns with recent findings from the Wadi Faynan in Jordan, which also indicated low pollution levels. The research emphasizes the need for caution in interpreting ancient industrial activities and their impacts, distinguishing localized effects from global pollution narratives. The study was published in Scientific Reports.
