Israeli archaeologists find 'Biblical royal purple dye'

A purple dye dating back to the purported reign of the Biblical King David has been identified on a piece of fabric by Israeli archaeologists.

The dye is said to have been more valuable than gold and was associated with royalty.

It is the first time textile from that period with the colour has been found in the region.

Israel Antiquities Authority expert Dr Naama Sukenik called it a "very exciting and important discovery".

The fragment was unearthed during excavations at a site in Timna, about 220km (137 miles) south of Jerusalem.