Site 34 (“Slaves’ Hill”) is a large copper smelting camp located on a mesa in the center of the Timna Valley. It provides evidence of extensive copper mining and smelting activities during the Late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. The site includes remains of smelting furnaces, pottery, animal bones, and structures related to copper processing, making it one of the key locations for studying ancient technology and industry in the region.
Historical Background
During the Late Bronze Age (13th century BCE) and early Iron Age (12th–10th centuries BCE), copper miners operated in Timna, likely belonging to local groups such as the Midianites and later the Edomites. There is evidence of Egyptian control in the region during the 19th and 20th dynasties, but after their withdrawal, mining activities continued under local leadership, possibly by Midianite or Edomite groups.
Archaeological Findings
Excavations at Slave Hill, mainly led by Prof. Erez Ben-Yosef from Tel Aviv University, revealed:
- Smelting furnaces and processing structures indicating advanced metallurgical techniques.
- Food remains and animal bones, showing that workers had a surprisingly rich diet, including imported fish (likely from the Red Sea).
- Well-preserved organic materials, such as ropes, textiles, and leather, due to the dry desert climate.
- Local and Egyptian pottery, suggesting extensive economic and cultural connections.
Were the Workers Slaves or Skilled Craftsmen?
Previously, scholars believed that the copper miners were slaves, hence the name “Slave Hill.” However, recent research by Erez Ben-Yosef suggests that the miners and smelters were skilled workers rather than enslaved laborers. Isotopic analysis of bones found at the site indicates a high-quality diet, which contradicts the harsh conditions typically associated with slavery.
Biblical Connections
Some scholars link the mining activities at Timna to biblical traditions about the Midianites and Edomites. References to King Solomon’s control over copper sources (such as in Ophir, 1 Kings 9:26–28) have led to speculation that mining at Timna continued under his rule, although there is no definitive evidence for this claim.
Conclusion
Slave Hill in Timna provides valuable insights into ancient copper production, trade, and social organization. Recent studies suggest that the workers were skilled craftsmen rather than slaves, leading to a revised understanding of ancient mining sites in the Middle East.