Jakarta –
Prophet Solomon known as a rich king. Archeological scientists have now revealed where his wealth came from, it seems it wasn’t gold!
Archaeological finds reveal ancient mines in the Timna Valley, southern Israel. These findings reveal one of the sources of wealth for Prophet Solomon, who ruled about 3,000 years ago.
The prophet Solomon, also known as Solomon in Hebrew, was the son of the Prophet David and the third king of the Kingdom of Israel after Saul and David. Apart from being known as a wise leader, he also built Baitul Maqdis which became a spiritual and cultural center.
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Its great wealth, including resources from copper mines in Glen Timna, adds to its legendary aura. The ore discovered by archaeologists is believed to have played an important role in the production of copper, an extremely valuable metal in its time, as well as being evidence of human innovation in that era.
Excavations began in Glen Timna in 1964. Archaeologists discovered a complex network of tunnels believed to have been dug by workers under the direction of the Prophet Solomon. The mine, known as ‘King Solomon’s Mine’, is located in the Negev Desert, Southern Israel, and is an old copper ore processing plant.
As reported by Archytele, on Wednesday (27/11/2024) Professor Erez Ben-Yosef from Tel Aviv University revealed that this mine experienced maximum production during the time of the Prophet Sulaiman. Interestingly, this mine did not produce gold or silver, but copper ore, a very expensive metal at that time.
“All the black ore waste we found was left over from the smelting process. This is important evidence for copper production on a large scale in Timna,” explained Prof. Ben-Yosef.
In ancient times, copper was the most valuable commodity. Dr. Mohammad Najjar from ‘Friends of Archeology of Jordan’ said that the status of copper at that time was similar to the status of petroleum in today’s civilization.
“People at that time could not do anything without copper, just as we now depend on petroleum,” he said.
Copper was important in the technological revolution of that time. Using melting methods that require temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, this metal is processed into tools, weapons and various human needs. Dr. Najjar describes this process as a ‘quantum leap’ in human history.
Not only did the discovery in Glen Timna reveal the source of the Prophet Solomon’s wealth, but it also showed the importance of copper in shaping civilization. This complex metal processing technology reflects the intelligence and skill of ancient people. Through this discovery, we are reminded again of the innovation that is the basis of human development until now.
* This article was written by Dita Aliccia Armadani, a participant in detikcom’s Campus Merdeka Certificate Introductory Program.
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2024-11-26 22:44:00
#Prophet #Sulaimans #Source #Wealth #unexpected
**How might the discovery of these copper mines in Timna Valley impact our understanding of the economic and political power dynamics of the ancient kingdoms in the region during Prophet Solomon’s time?**
## Interview: Uncovering Prophet Solomon’s Source of Wealth
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the latest archaeological discoveries and their impact on our understanding of history. Today, we’re joined by two distinguished guests to discuss a recent finding that sheds light on the wealth of the legendary Prophet Solomon.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Sarah Elmsworth,** a historian specializing in the Ancient Near East and biblical archaeology.
* **Professor David Cohen,** an expert in metallurgy and ancient mining techniques.
**Section 1: The Discovery**
*(Host)*: Let’s start with the basics. This recent discovery in the Timna Valley of Israel has caused quite a stir. Dr. Elmsworth, can you tell our listeners about the significance of these findings?
*(Dr. Elmsworth)*: Certainly. Archaeologists have long known about the presence of copper mines in Timna, but recent excavations have revealed a sophisticated network of tunnels and processing plants that suggest a massive scale of production, most likely during the reign of King Solomon.
*(Host)*: What evidence points to the connection between these mines and Prophet Solomon specifically?
*(Dr. Elmsworth)*: While there are no direct inscriptions mentioning Solomon’s name, the dating of the artifacts and the advanced techniques used in mining and smelting point to a period consistent with his reign, around 3,000 years ago.
**Section 2: The Copper Connection**
*(Host)*: Professor Cohen, copper is often associated with the Bronze Age. Can you elaborate on the importance of copper in that era and how its discovery reshapes our image of King Solomon’s wealth?
*(Prof. Cohen)*: Copper was incredibly valuable in the ancient world. It was essential for making tools, weapons, ornaments, and even for construction. Thinking of Prophet Solomon as possessing vast reserves of gold or silver is somewhat cliché. However, controlling a substantial copper mine would have given him immense economic and political power. This discovery challenges our traditional understanding of the sources of his wealth.
**Section 3: The Bigger Picture**
*(Host)*: Dr. Elmsworth, how does this discovery contribute to our broader understanding of ancient civilizations?
*(Dr. Elmsworth)*: This isn’t just about Prophet Solomon. This discovery highlights the ingenuity of ancient societies. Their ability to extract, smelt, and utilize copper on such a large scale was a major technological leap. It propelled the development of civilizations in the region and undoubtedly influenced trade routes and cultural exchange.
*(Host)*: Professor Cohen, what are some of the lingering questions this discovery raises, and what further research could be done?
*(Prof. Cohen)*: This is just the beginning. We need to continue studying the composition of the copper, the precise techniques used for smelting, and the social context of mining. Understanding the organization of labor and the trade networks involved is crucial to grasping the full impact of these ancient mines on the development of the region.
**Conclusion:**
We want to thank both Dr. Elmsworth and Professor Cohen for sharing their expertise with us today. This fascinating discovery not only provides compelling insights into the life and times of Prophet Solomon but also underscores the remarkable technological advancements of ancient civilizations. Join us next time on World Today News for more exciting updates from the world of archaeology.
