At a Glance
- Archaeologists have identified 19 clay rattles from Early Bronze Age Syria, marking the most extensive known collection of ancient toys from that period in the Near East.
- These small rattles, ideal for infants’ hands, produced soft sounds likely used to soothe children rather than serve ritual or musical purposes in ancient domestic settings.
- Originally excavated in the 1930s at the site of Hama, their proper function was only recently confirmed through modern analysis led by researchers at the University of Copenhagen.
- Similar rattle designs found at nearby sites suggest that these toys were widespread and culturally significant for families across the northern Levant during urban and population growth.
- This discovery highlights the overlooked role of childhood in archaeology and offers valuable insight into how ancient families cared for and entertained young children in everyday life.
Archaeologists studying ancient toys in Syria have uncovered a fascinating find: the most extensive collection of rattles from the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2500-2000 BCE) in the Near East. These ancient rattles were discovered at the site of Hama, with 19 fragments dating back to when the region underwent significant cultural changes. The rattles were originally excavated in the 1930s, but their true purpose was only identified recently through detailed analysis. This discovery, published in the journal Childhood in the Past, provides a glimpse into children’s everyday lives in ancient times.
The rattles found at Hama were made from clay and had handles that were either painted or undecorated. Most of the handles were small—about 4.5–6 cm long and 2 cm in diameter—making them ideal for small hands. These rattles, which infants or younger siblings likely used, produce a soft sound similar to modern-day plastic rattles. The soft sound these rattles make suggests they were not meant for music or rituals but were used to soothe and entertain children. The rattles’ small size and simple design indicate that they were part of daily life in households, offering a tool for keeping children calm while their parents worked.
The research team, led by Dr. Mette Hald at the University of Copenhagen, also found that the rattles’ design was consistent with those at nearby sites like Al-Zalaqiyat, Qatna, and Tell ‘As. These similar designs suggest rattles were standard for families across the northern Levant. The rattles at Hama were particularly significant because they were found in a domestic neighborhood that had recently changed, including a population increase. The shift to smaller, tightly packed houses likely meant more children, leading to a greater need for toys like rattles to entertain them.
This discovery sheds light on the everyday lives of ancient families and highlights the importance of children’s toys in historical cultures. By studying these small, simple objects, archaeologists can learn about the social dynamics of ancient communities and how parents in the Early Bronze Age kept their children engaged. Dr. Hald’s team hopes to continue exploring other aspects of childhood in ancient Syria, as this area has been largely overlooked in past research.
References
- Oster, S. & Phys.org. (2025, May 26). Mysterious Syrian artifacts reidentified as ancient baby rattles. Phys.Org; Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2025-05-mysterious-syrian-artifacts-reidentified-ancient.html
- Mouamar, G., Lumsden, S., Vacca, A., & Hald, M. M. (2025). Infant care in early bronze age syria: Newly identified clay rattles at hama. Childhood in the Past, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/17585716.2025.2489258
