Cotton textiles from the Byzantine period to the Medieval period in ancient Palestine

A significant discovery of cotton textiles from the Byzantine to Medieval periods (5th–13th centuries CE) in ancient Palestine reveals a shift from imported Roman-era cotton to locally produced or traded fabrics. Key findings include Z-spun ikats at Nahal ‘Omer and S-spun garments/shrouds at Qasr el-Yahud, alongside resist-dyed fragments from Cave 38 near Jericho. The study suggests the co-development of textile trade and local production during Late Antiquity and the medieval period. By analyzing these artifacts, researchers trace the origin and evolution of cotton textiles in Palestine, providing insights into regional craftsmanship and economic transitions.

Shamir, O. (2019). Cotton textiles from the Byzantine period to the Medieval period in ancient Palestine. Revue d’Ethnoécologie, 15. https://doi.org/10.4000/ethnoecologie.4176