Story perspectives

Ancient Grazing Patterns Revealed Amid Ongoing Conflicts

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

A PLOS ONE study finds 2,900-year-old shepherds in Tel Hazor had consistent grazing patterns despite Israel–Aram conflicts, indicating the border was not a hard barrier for common people.
Researchers analyzed isotopes from sheep and goat teeth to reveal these grazing patterns.
Shlomit Bechar, senior lecturer, notes the study shifts focus from elites to everyday life.
Ongoing excavations at Hazor have been paused by the conflict that began in October 2023.

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Story summary

A PLOS ONE study finds 2,900-year-old shepherds in Tel Hazor had consistent grazing patterns despite Israel–Aram conflicts, indicating the border was not a hard barrier for common people.
Researchers analyzed isotopes from sheep and goat teeth to reveal these grazing patterns.
Shlomit Bechar, senior lecturer, notes the study shifts focus from elites to everyday life.
Ongoing excavations at Hazor have been paused by the conflict that began in October 2023.