Correction: Earliest evidence for equid bit wear in the ancient Near East: The "ass" from Early Bronze Age Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath, Israel.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Archaeological analysis of dental wear patterns on an equid specimen from Early Bronze Age Tell eṣ-Ṣâfi/Gath (Israel, circa 3000 BCE) has provided the earliest physical evidence for bit use in the ancient Near East, predating previously documented examples by several centuries. Researchers examined microscopic striations and wear facets on the animal's molars and premolars using optical microscopy and comparative analysis against known bit-wear signatures from experimentally controlled samples and ethnographic material. The characteristic horizontal scoring and asymmetrical wear distribution observed on this specimen were consistent with the mechanical action of a metal or bone bit, establishing that sophisticated horse-training equipment was in use during the Early Bronze Age rather than emerging later as previously believed. For equine professionals, this finding underscores the deep historical roots of bitting practices and suggests that ancient handlers possessed considerable understanding of equine behaviour and mouth biomechanics, though practitioners should note this represents an individual case and broader population studies would strengthen conclusions about the prevalence and standardisation of early bit technology. The correction emphasises the importance of rigorous dental examination in archaeological contexts, offering a non-invasive method for identifying historical management practices that complements traditional osteological and artefactual evidence.

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Key Findings

• •Dental wear patterns on an Early Bronze Age equid from Tell e-Safi/Gath indicate evidence of bit use in ancient animals
• •This represents the earliest known archaeological evidence for equid bit wear in the ancient Near East

Conditions Studied