Archaeologists Discover Ancient Mass Grave of Children in Israel, Shedding Light on Burial Practices
Archaeologists at Tel Azekah, an ancient site in Israel, have uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of up to 89 children, primarily infants and young children, dating back 2,500 years to the early Persian period. The discovery was made in a repurposed water cistern and provides insight into ancient burial practices and infant mortality rates. The site, originally a water reservoir, was used as a burial space for infants who had not yet been weaned, suggesting that these children were not granted individual interments due to their young age and high mortality rates. The findings indicate that infants who died before weaning were not considered to have achieved full social status, thus not receiving separate burials. 
