英文阅读：世界上最古老的养蜂场

英语自学网

　　Recent excavations in northern Israel have unearthed what researchers
believe are the oldest intact beehives ever found. The 3,000-year-old apiary
contains the remnants of at least 30 beehives, including honeycombs and
beeswax.
        　　The cylindrical hives, made of clay and straw, are about 32 inches (80 cm)
long and 16 inches (40 cm) wide. They have a small hole at one end for the bees
to enter and exit, and a lid on the opposite end for beekeeper access.
        　　Domesticated beehives and the practice of beekeeping are depicted in
ancient texts and artworks from the Middle East, but researchers have lacked
hard evidence of their existence.
        　　The hives, found near Tel Rehov in the Beth Shean Valley, date to the early
9th century B.C., and reveal that a sophisticated beekeeping industry existed in
the region. The honey was used for food as well as for medicinal and religious
purposes.
        　　The ancient apiary contained as many as 100 hives, enough to produce about
a half-ton of honey per year.