Jerusalem, Feb. 5 -- Excavations of a 2500-year-old tomb compound in the Negev desert in southern Israel revealed ancient trade caravans traveling through the area, revealing the region's possible historical significance as an international trade crossroads connecting cultures.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Wednesday that arrowheads dating back around 2,500 years and originating from Yemen were discovered in the excavations.

Among the artifacts discovered were copper and silver jewelry, alabaster items used to prepare incense, hundreds of beads made from various colorful stones, rare types of shells, an Egyptian god Bes amulet, and alabaster vessels used to transport incense resins from southern Arabia.

Meanwhile, trac...