Possibly the oldest copper fishing hook was found in Israel.

In Ashkelon, located in the southern part of Israel, excavations planned before the construction were carried out, which stunned archaeologists with an incredible discovery. The fishing hook turned out to be almost the oldest of all ancient hooks found in the world.

"More ancient fishing hooks found earlier were made of bone and were much smaller than this one" - says IAA specialist Abadi-Reiss.

A 6,000-year-old fishing hook made of copper, which also plays an important role in research.

"This unique find is 6.5 cm (2.5 in) long and 4 cm (1.5 in) wide, its considerable size making it suitable for hunting sharks 2-3 meters long (0.7-1.2 inch) or big tuna" - commented IAA doctor Daniel Varga.

The rare artifact tells us about the life of peasants and village fishermen who lived along the Mediterranean coastal zones, as well as the use of copper, including in the manufacture of fishing hooks.

"From time to time, they would go out to sea in boats to the deep water when the sharks are approaching, using this beautiful, very special hook to get the shark."

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) first announced the find on March 29, although excavations were carried out as early as 2018. And on April 3, everyone will be able to see the exhibition, which will take place at the 48th Archaeological Congress, which was created by the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Israel Research Society and the Israel Archaeological Association.