Ancient Seed Germination Sheds Light on “Archaeological Medicine” and Its Modern Relevance
October 29th, 2024
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In a remarkable discovery from the Judean Desert, researchers have identified and germinated a 1,000-year-old seed belonging to the Commiphora genus—a group of plants prized for their aromatic and medicinal resins, such as frankincense and myrrh. This seed, dated to around 993-1202 CE, represents the first confirmed example of a Commiphora species recovered and revived from an archaeological site (in this case a natural cave in Lower Wadi el-Makkuk, Judean Desert). While hypothesized to be related to the legendary “Judean Balsam” or “Balm of Gilead” mentioned in the Bible (for example Genesis 37:25), the plant exhibited unique traits that suggest a broader significance.
