TROPHY HUNTING – A BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE FROM THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST OF THE IRON AGE (CIRCA 1200–500 B.C.E.)

Abstract

Humans have been hunting since time immemorial. In recent times, especially after the shooting of Cecil, a trophy-lion, various questions have surfaced about sport hunting. In this article, evidence from the Bible and archaeology from the Iron Age ancient Near East is presented to enable the reader to understand how and what was hunted. The article will conclude with the biblical Israelites’ and their neighbours’ attitude towards hunting, in particular trophy hunting.