Oldest Known Drilling Tool Discovered in Egypt's Badari Site Dates to Late 4th Millennium BCE
A small copper alloy object, identified as the oldest known drilling tool in Egypt, was excavated from a predynastic cemetery in Badari. Dating to the late 4th millennium BCE, it is determined to be a bow drill, suggesting advanced drilling techniques 2000 years earlier than previously documented. The study, involving researchers from Newcastle University and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, indicates the possibility of ancient trading networks based on the tool's unusual metal composition.
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The oldest known drilling tool in Egypt has been identified from a small metal object excavated nearly 100 years ago at the Badari archaeological site. Dating to the late 4th millennium BCE, the copper alloy artifact, part of an adult male's grave goods, is a bow drill, indicating advanced rotary drilling techniques 2000 years earlier than previously documented.
The study, by researchers from Newcastle University and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, also revealed an unusual metal composition, suggesting potential long-distance trade or undiscovered ore sources. This finding is part of the EgypToolWear project, which analyzes metal artifact wear.
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