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Ancient Mass Grave of 89 Children Discovered in Israel

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists at the Tel Azekah archaeological site near Jerusalem uncovered a mass grave of 68 to 89 children under five dating to the 6th–5th centuries BCE, the first of its kind found in Israel.
Experts say high infant mortality likely drove this mass burial because children were not considered fully recognized until they were weaned.
DNA analysis is ongoing to determine the children's ethnicity.
Researchers plan to study additional Persian-period burial sites.

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Story summary

Archaeologists at the Tel Azekah archaeological site near Jerusalem uncovered a mass grave of 68 to 89 children under five dating to the 6th–5th centuries BCE, the first of its kind found in Israel.
Experts say high infant mortality likely drove this mass burial because children were not considered fully recognized until they were weaned.
DNA analysis is ongoing to determine the children's ethnicity.
Researchers plan to study additional Persian-period burial sites.