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Concentrations of Rn-222 were measured in ancient copper mines which exploited the Faynan Orefield in the South-Western Jordanian Desert. The concentrations of radon gas detected indicate that the ancient metal workers would have been exposed to a significant health risk and indicate that any future attempt to exploit the copper ores must deal with the hazard identified. Seasonal variations in radon concentrations are noted and these are linked to the ventilation of the mines. These modem data are used to explore the differential exposure to radon and the health of ancient mining communities. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.