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Ancient beehives are found in Israel

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From Times Staff and Wire Reports

Archeologists in northern Israel have discovered evidence of a 3,000-year-old beekeeping industry, including remnants of honeycombs, beeswax and what they believe are the oldest beehives ever found.

The findings this summer in the ruins of Rehov include 30 intact hives dating to about 900 BC, archeologist Amihai Mazar of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said Tuesday. He said the discoveries offer unique evidence that an advanced honey industry existed in biblical times.

Though bees and beekeeping are depicted in ancient artwork, nothing similar to the Rehov hives has ever previously been found, Mazar said.

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