Did Poo Problems Plague Dead Sea Scroll Sect?
by Kate Melville New evidence concerning hygiene habits has come to light at Qumran, linking an ancient Jewish sect known as the Essenes to the Dead Sea Scrolls. One of the most mysterious religious elements in Judaea around the supposed time of Jesus, the Essenes’ relationship to the scrolls has been a matter of some controversy. Now, new scientific findings from the Qumran settlement connect it to details in the scrolls, and give direct evidence of Essene culture at the site. In an article in Revue de Qumran, an international bioarchaeological research team reports the results of an investigation of a suspected remote latrine site near Qumran. The site was located by following ancient clues that specify the remote placement of latrines and contains hints about unusual toiletry and hygiene practices. University of North Carolina at Charlotte biblical scholar James Tabor, noting instructions in two of the Dead Sea Scrolls, suggested a site outside the ruins of Qumran should be investig
