New Dates from Submerged Late Pleistocene Sediments in the Southern Sea of Galilee, Israel

2003

Geoarchaeology

Soil-geomorphic analysis coupled with micromorphology, SEM/EDS, magnetic susceptibility, and conventional sedimentological studies allowed us to reconstruct the site formation history and validate the archaeologically observed variability of human activities in the prehistoric camp of Ohalo II (19.5 ka B.P.), Sea of Galilee, Israel. The cultural layers rest upon the Late Pleistocene Lake Lisan deposits that accumulated under conditions of changing water supply and increasing rate of sedimentation from deep-water varvelike deposits to basaltderived, near-shore sandy lacustrine deposits. Intermittent occupation is recorded in some localities, indicating short-term inundation episodes, which led to partial truncation and deformation of the sediments, primarily in the eastern lakeward part of the site. On the elevated, landward positions, incipient soils with strongly bioturbated profiles formed. Micromorphology demonstrates that intentional flooring was applied within the remains of brush huts, where millimeter-sized, horizontally organized burnt and unheated vegetal tissues were likely to have been placed upon the compacted ground. In fireplaces, the cultural deposits in thin sections are composed of strongly mixed, abundant wood charcoal, ashes, and fishbone remains. Post-depositional alterations were controlled by intermittent inundation of the site and salinization, which induced gypsum and pyrite deposition, primarily along decayed roots, and eventual pyrite oxidation. Accumulation of sodium and chlorine in the post-occupation deposits is likely to have occurred because of discharge of saline groundwater. Although only suggestive at this stage of research, the conclusions drawn from magnetic susceptibility parameters of archaeologically related deposits at Ohalo II fit well with the micromorphological reconstructions and provide new information on the Late Pleistocene evolution of the Lake Lisan/Sea of Galilee fluctuating system. ᭧

Section: Site Stratigraphy and Characterization Of Depositsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Formation processes at the Ohalo II submerged prehistoric campsite, Israel, inferred from soil micromorphology and magnetic susceptibility studies

Tsatskin

2003

Geoarchaeology

“…and probably dated to the Hellenistic/Roman/Byzantine period was observed ca. 1500 m to the south of the site, at an elevation of Ϫ214 m (Nun, 1989;Nadel et al, 2001a). The water level of Ϫ214 m, as implied from the breakwater, should place the Ohalo II site in a high-energy shore area.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The combined floral and faunal remains suggest that food was plentiful and diverse. The high quality of preservation, both of structures and of small fragile materials, points to a quick and gentle burial, immediately after occupation (Nadel et al, 2001a). Had the remains been exposed to the elements for long (even a few years), much of the recovered organic material would have been washed away by wave action, blown away by the wind, or decomposed altogether without leaving any traces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Ohalo II prehistoric camp (19.5 Ky): New evidence for environmental and tectonic changes at the Sea of Galilee

Belitzky

2002

Geoarchaeology

Combined archaeological data, shore surveys, and aerial photos of submerged sediments in the Sea of Galilee provide new insights into environmental and tectonic events, their dating, and their impact on the Ohalo II prehistoric camp (ca. 19,500 yr B.P.) and its surroundings. The Ohalo II waterlogged campsite contains excellently preserved brush hut remains and other in situ features, all embedded in late Pleistocene lacustrine strata. The findings indicate relatively short occupation of the site, not more than months or several years at a time. The high quality in situ preservation of delicate organic materials, as well as the short occupation period, suggests a quick and gentle burial by fine sediments. The evident fast submergence (water level rise of the Sea of Galilee) could have been the result of climatic fluctuations towards the end of the last glaciation and/or small-scale tectonic subsidence. The site is located on a tectonic block formed in the western fault belt of the Dead Sea Rift. We present new evidence of post-occupational folding of the late Pleistocene strata and recent tilting and faulting. A westward tectonic tilt may have caused the blockage of the old Jordan River outlet after A. D. 1106. Excellent preservation of the fault traces to the east of the site is attributed to the young age of the displacement on the fault. The last displacement apparently postdates the blockage of the old Jordan River. ᭧

“…Preservation was such that even grass bedding was well preserved on the lowest floor of the largest brush hut . Most loci were directly dated by several 14 C readings, indicating that the site was occupied between 22,000-24,000 cal BP (Nadel et al 1995;2001;2006). The finds at the site include a wealth of plant remains such as cereals, legumes and other edible seeds and fruit (Weiss et al 2008;Snir et al 2015a;2015b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The use of stone at Ohalo II, a 23,000 year old site in the Jordan Valley, Israel

Spivak

2016

JLS

Abstract:A wide range of stones were found at the 22,000-24,000 year old lakeshore camp of Ohalo II, the Sea of Galilee, Israel. The well-preserved camp includes the floors of six brush huts, several open-air hearths, a grave, a midden, and small installations. Stones were found in all excavated loci. These include a small assemblage of basalt and limestone tools, among which bowls, grinding implements and weights are the most common. Use-wear analysis supports the identification of the grinding tools, suggesting that cereals were indeed processed with them, but not in an intensive manner. The presence of thousands of cereal grains as well as several sickle blades accord well these finds. Bowls were all shallow and only their fragments were found. Weights were likely used as fishing net sinkers. Limestone and basalt flakes indicate local knapping. Basalt and limestone fragments, shattered from heat, were abundant in all the excavated loci. Their original use is yet to be verified, but their shattering from heat was affirmed by a series of experiments. Stones were also used as wall supports. The range of types, contexts and activities reflected by stone tools and natural stones is unprecedented in other contemporaneous sites in the southern Levant.