An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun, the Hula Valley, Northern Israel: The results of the 2007 salvage excavation 9781407305714, 9781407336312

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BAR S2095 2010 ROSENBERG AN EARLY POTTERY NEOLITHIC OCCURRENCE AT BEISAMOUN

B A R

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun, the Hula Valley, Northern Israel The results of the 2007 salvage excavation

Danny Rosenberg with contributions by

Nurit Shtober, Iris Gorman-Yeroslavski, Vered Eshed, Noa Raban-Gerstel, Guy Bar-Oz, Yotam Tepper and Ariel Berman

BAR International Series 2095 2010

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun, the Hula Valley, Northern Israel The results of the 2007 salvage excavation

Danny Rosenberg with contributions by

Nurit Shtober, Iris Gorman-Yeroslavski, Vered Eshed, Noa Raban-Gerstel, Guy Bar-Oz, Yotam Tepper and Ariel Berman

BAR International Series 2095 2010

ISBN 9781407305714 paperback ISBN 9781407336312 e-format DOI https://doi.org/10.30861/9781407305714 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

BAR

PUBLISHING

Table of contents List of contributors.............................................................................................................................................................. ii List of figures . ................................................................................................................................................................... iii List of tables . ....................................................................................................................................................................vii Abstract . ............................................................................................................................................................................ ix Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................................................................. xi Chapter 1.

The site and the 2007 salvage excavation . .................................................................................................. 1 Danny Rosenberg

Chapter 2.

Geological and geomorphological settings . .............................................................................................. 15 Nurit Shtober

Chapter 3.

The stone component of the pits and pavements........................................................................................ 19 Danny Rosenberg and Nurit Shtober

Chapter 4.

The pottery assemblage ............................................................................................................................. 35 Danny Rosenberg

Chapter 5.

The lithic assemblage . ............................................................................................................................... 43 Iris Groman-Yeroslavski and Danny Rosenberg

Chapter 6.

The obsidian assemblage ........................................................................................................................... 73 Danny Rosenberg

Chapter 7.

The stone assemblage ................................................................................................................................ 77 Danny Rosenberg

Chapter 8.

The skeletal remains................................................................................................................................... 91 Vered Eshed

Chapter 9.

The faunal remains..................................................................................................................................... 97 Noa Raban-Gerstel and Guy Bar-Oz

Chapter 10. Cremation from the Hellenistic period at Beisamoun and other finds of historic periods...................... 105 Yotam Tepper Chapter 11. The Early Pottery Neolithic of Beisamoun and the Neolithic of the Hula Valley: Summary and discussion..... 109 Danny Rosenberg References . ..................................................................................................................................................................... 119 Appendix 1. Beisamoun: List of loci ............................................................................................................................ 131 Appendix 2. Bone measurements of faunal specimens (mm)....................................................................................... 134 Appendix 3. Distribution of identified and unidentified bone remains retrieved according to square, locus and basket . ............................................................................................................................................... 136 Appendix 4. Number of identified specimens (NISP), minimum number of elements (MNE) and minimum number of individuals (MNI) of each taxon represented at the top soil units of Beisamoun . ............... 137 Appendix 5. Catalogue of coins ................................................................................................................................... 138 i

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

List of contributors Danny Rosenberg Laboratory for Groundstone Research, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel Email: [email protected], [email protected] Nurit Shtober Department of the Land of Israel Studies, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel Email: [email protected] Iris Gorman-Yeroslavski Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel Email: [email protected] Vered Eshed Israel Antiquities Authority, POB 1230, Tel-Aviv 61012, Israel Email: [email protected] Noa Raban-Gerstel Laboratory of Archaeo-zoology, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel Email: [email protected] Guy Bar-Oz Laboratory of Archaeo-zoology, Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel Email: [email protected] Yotam Tepper Tel Aviv University, Israel Antiquities Authority, POB 35, Nahalal 10600, Israel Email: [email protected] Ariel Berman 5 Hazipornim St., POB 1275, Kiryat-Tivon 36066, Israel

ii

List of figures Chapter 1 Figure 1.1. Figure 1.2. Figure 1.3. Figure 1.4. Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.6. Figure 1.7. Figure 1.8. Figure 1.9. Figure 1.10. Figure 1.11. Figure 1.12. Figure 1.13. Figure 1.14. Figure 1.15. Figure 1.16. Figure 1.17. Figure 1.18. Figure 1.19. Figure 1.20. Figure 1.21. Figure 1.22. Figure 1.23. Figure 1.24. Figure 1.25. Figure 1.26. Figure 1.27. Figure 1.28. Figure 1.29.

Map of Beisamoun and other Pre-Pottery Neolithic and Early Pottery Neolithic/Yarmukian sites Naphtali Mountains viewed from the site Golan Heights viewed eastward of the site A view towards the Golan Heights. The area of the previous excavations lies east of the white silo in the centre of the picture Beisamoun past excavations and the 2007 salvage excavation (enlarged area). The area enclosed in a broken line at the top of the drawing marks the dispersal of finds as noted by the French delegation. Hatched squares mark other excavations in the greater Beisamoun area The excavation area at the end of the 2007 salvage excavation (squares with ragged white bags are from the IAA test excavation). The road to the right is route 90, Rosh Pinna–Qiryat Shmona Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in squares Z, A–C Square C, south-east and later disturbances. Part of the pit fill, looking south-east Square C, eastern section and the outline of the pit Square C, a small spot of whitish, unidentified material (plaster lining?) Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in squares J–O Square J, top of a pit (Locus 183) where the burials and pottery were found, “marked” by a whitish limeplaster strip Square K, looking south-east. Note the two lining/fill stages of the same pit/pavement Square K, southern section. Note the two lining/fill stages of the same pit/pavement Square K, close-up view of the stone fill of the pit Square K, the plaster patch found at the lower part of the pit, intermixed with angular stones. Note later stages of the pit seen in the (southern) section Square K, the plaster patch Square L, eastern section. Note pit outline Square N, top of pavement Square N, close-up of the pavement Square O, close-up of the pavement Square O, eastern section Square O, a lump of clay ‘smeared’ on top of the pavement Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in Squares S–T Square S, eastern section and the pit Square S, the top parts of the pit near the eastern section of the square Square T, top view Square T, southern section Square T, close-up of the top of the pavement

Chapter 2 Figure 2.1. Figure 2.2. Figure 2.3. Figure 2.4. Figure 2.5. Figure 2.6.

The Hula Valley 1951 (modified after Karmon 1960) General map of the Hula Valley and major faults Geological and lithological map of the Naphtali Mountains in the vicinity of the 2007 salvage excavation (modified after Sneh et al. 1996) The five sedimentary, fan-like units were deposited along the Naphtali Mountains piedmont A section cut in sedimentary unit Q4 Soil profile across the Naphtali Mountains piedmont area, located approximately 3 km north of the 2007 salvage excavation at Beisamoun. Based on field observations, it is estimated that the nature of sediments and soils is similar in both sites

iii

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Chapter 3 Figure 3.1. Figure 3.2. Figure 3.3. Figure 3.4. Figure 3.5. Figure 3.6. Figure 3.7. Figure 3.8. Figure 3.9. Figure 3.10. Figure 3.11. Figure 3.12. Figure 3.13. Figure 3.14. Figure 3.15. Figure 3.16. Figure 3.17. Figure 3.18. Figure 3.19. Figure 3.20. Figure 3.21. Figure 3.22. Figure 3.23.

Square K, a shallow pit filled with angular stones Square O, top of the stone pavement Square T, top of the stone pavement Analysing stone samples in the 2007 salvage excavation Analysing stone samples in the 2007 salvage excavation Fragmented/flaked limestone/dolomite clasts Intensively broken stone Fragmented/flaked limestone/dolomite clasts A core-like item A pebble showing flaking Broken /flaked limestone/dolomite items Cobble bearing scars Elongated pebble, broken by a single longitudinal scar Elongated pebble, transversally broken at both poles (medial fragment) Transversely broken pebble Various limestone/dolomite flakes (arrows marks position of the bulb of percussion) Various limestone/dolomite flakes Limestone/dolomite flake Limestone/dolomite flake Broken basalt clast Various basalt clasts The three measurable axes of the rock clasts: A, B and C Clast frequency of three samples collected from the site (a–c) and cumulative percentage curves calculated for the samples and the slopes (d)

Chapter 4 Figure 4.1. Figure 4.2. Figure 4.3. Figure 4.4. Figure 4.5. Figure 4.6. Figure 4.7. Figure 4.8. Figure 4.9. Figure 4.10. Figure 4.11. Figure 4.12.

Square J, shard in situ in the pit (Locus 183) Square J, shard in situ in the pit (Locus 183) Square J, deteriorated shards in situ in the pit (Locus 183) Wadi Rabah shard found on the surface of the site A carinated vessel fragment produced by the slabbing technique A vessel fragment produced by the slabbing technique Plain body fragments from Locus 183 Plain body fragments from Locus 183 Plain body fragments from Locus 183 Bowl fragment Bowls Holemouths

Chapter 5 Figure 5.1. Figure 5.2. Figure 5.3. Figure 5.4. Figure 5.5. Figure 5.6. Figure 5.7. Figure 5.8. Figure 5.9. Figure 5.10. Figure 5.11. Figure 5.12. Figure 5.13.

Distribution of flint items according to excavated squares Bladelets 1–3. Core tablets; 4–8. Overshots Crested blades Transversal CTEs Production surface rejuvenation items Single striking platform cores Two striking platform cores Naviform cores Multiple striking-platform cores Axe spalls: Thinning flakes Arrowheads Bifacials: Axes iv

List of figures

Figure 5.14. Figure 5.15. Figure 5.16. Figure 5.17. Figure 5.18. Figure 5.19. Figure 5.20. Figure 5.21. Figure 5.22. Figure 5.23. Figure 5.24. Figure 5.25. Figure 5.26. Figure 5.27. Figure 5.28. Figure 5.29. Figure 5.30. Figure 5.31. Figure 5.32.

Bifacials: Axes Bifacials: 1–3. Axes; 4–5. ‘Discs’ Bifacials: 1. Bifacial axe bearing ‘Hula flake’ scar; 2. ‘Hula flake’ Bifacials: Polished axes Bifacials: 1–2. Axes; 3. Chisel Sickle blades: Type A Sickle blades: Type A Sickle blades: Type A with a double edge Sickle blades: Type B and type C Sickle blade bearing invasive pressure retouch Retouched blades Denticulated and notched items: 1–3. Denticulated items; 4–8. Notched items Truncations Scrapers Perforators Burins and burin spals: 1–4. Burins; 5–8. Burin spalls Polished items Varia Items bearing use-wear

Chapter 6 Figure 6.1.

The obsidian assemblage: 1. Bladelet fragment; 2. Flake; 3–7. Bladelets; 8–9. Burin spalls; 10. Overshot; 11–14. Tools

Chapter 7 Figure 7.1. Figure 7.2. Figure 7.3. Figure 7.4. Figure 7.5. Figure 7.6. Figure 7.7. Figure 7.8. Figure 7.9. Figure 7.10. Figure 7.11. Figure 7.12. Figure 7.13.

Square N, a processor fragment at the top of a pit fill 1–3. Lower grinding elements; 4. Anvil Processors Vessels: 1. Platter; 2. Bowlet 1–3. Pestles; 4–5. Hammerstone; 6. Grooved pebble Flaked discs Round flaked disc Two faces of a round flaked disc Oval flaked disc A close-up of a flaked disc periphery (note flaking scars) 1. Unidentified tool fragment; 2–6. Varia Chopping tool A close-up of the chopping tool, cutting edge

Chapter 8 Figure 8.1. Figure 8.2. Figure 8.3. Figure 8.4. Figure 8.5. Figure 8.6.

The find spots of the skulls in Square J, Locus 183 Human bones in situ in Square J, Locus 183 Locus 183: Skull and post-cranial bones of an adult individual Locus 183: Right metacarpal and first row phalange Locus 183: Bones related to the child Locus 41: Right ulna and radius anatomically articulated and taphonomically fused

Chapter 9 Figure 9.1. Figure 9.2.

Distribution of mammal taxa at Early Pottery Neolithic (NISP =148) Measurements of cattle. Bones presented by the LSI technique. Standard measurements (i.e. the zero line) are from Grigson 1989

v

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 9.3. Figure 9.4. Figure 9.5. Figure 9.6. Figure 9.7.

Measurements of pig. Bones presented by the LSI technique. Standard measurements (i.e. the zero line) are from Hongo and Meadow 1998 Dismemberment butchery mark on an astragal of cattle (Locus 43) Filleting butchery mark on a distal radius of a domestic pig (Locus 362) A point made of the distal shaft metapodial of a gazelle (Locus 223) Relative frequencies of sheep/goats, cattle, and pigs in selected Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean region of the southern Levant

Chapter 10 Figure 10.1. Pottery and metal finds: 1. Hellenistic amphora; 2. Sugar vessel dated to the Mamluk Period; 3–4. Rasaya el-Fukhar pottery; 5. Metal weight Figure 10.2. Square S (Locus 361): Amphora and a coin in situ Figure 10.3. Coin from the cremation grave. See also Appendix 5, No. 1 Figure 10.4. Coin with trident countermark. See Appendix 5, No. 2 Figure 10.5. Roman cremation from France: Cremation grave pit dug into the soil (after Barbé et al. 1995: fig. 28) Figure 10.6. Roman cremation from France: Cremation grave pit, with built stone well around it; note the coin, numbered 36 (after Barbé et al. 1995: fig. 30) Chapter 11 Figure 11.1. A view at Eynan stream, south of the Early Pottery occupation Figure 11.2. A view at the Naphtali Mountains Figure 11.3. A view at the Hula Valley and Golan Heights

vi

List of tables Chapter 3 Table 3.1. Table 3.2. Table 3.3. Table 3.4.

Sampled loci and tested volume Type and size distribution among raw materials in the sampled units Weight distribution of a sample unit (of ca. 10 litres) General characteristics of three samples collected from two pits and a pavement at the 2007 salvage excavation

Chapter 4 Table 4.1

The pottery assemblage

Chapter 5 Table 5.1. Table 5.2. Table 5.3. Table 5.4. Table 5.5. Table 5.6. Table 5.7. Table 5.8. Table 5.9. Table 5.10. Table 5.11. Table 5.12. Table 5.13. Table 5.14. Table 5.15. Table 5.16. Table 5.17.

The flint assemblage according to excavated squares Provenance distribution of selected flint objects Typology of core trimming elements Typology of cores Typological breakdown of tools by blanks Typological breakdown of bifacial tools Orientation of dorsal scars of sickle blades Types of sickle blades (after Gopher 1989) Shape of type A sickle blades Location of retouch of working edge for type A sickle blades Shape of working edge of type A sickle blades Orientation of dorsal scars of retouched blades Description of retouch mode on retouched blades Frequencies of main tool types in selected Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) and Early Pottery Neolithic/Yarmukian sites in Israel Frequency of coarsely denticulated sickle blades in selected Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) and Yarmukian/Early Pottery Neolithic sites in Israel Distribution of the general types of arrowheads in selected Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) and Yarmukian/Early Pottery Neolithic sites in Israel Frequencies of axes in selected Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) and Yarmukian/Early Pottery Neolithic sites in Israel

Chapter 6 Table 6.1. Table 6.2. Table 6.3.

Obsidian artefact frequencies Characteristics of obsidian items Obsidian items in selected Hula Valley sites

Chapter 7 Table 7.1. Table 7.2. Table 7.3. Table 7.4.

Breakdown of the stone assemblage Distribution of stone tools among excavation squares Processors’ attributes Flaked disc: Main attributes

Chapter 8 Table 8.1. Table 8.2.

General bone description according to loci Summary of number of individual, according to loci vii

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Chapter 9 Table 9.1. Table 9.2. Table 9.3. Table 9.4. Table 9.5.

Number of identified bones and weight (in grams) of bones retrieved from each locus Number of identified specimens (NISP), minimum number of elements (MNE) and minimum number of individuals (MNI) of each taxon represented Tooth wear data of major taxa (wear stages follow Grant 1982) Epiphyseal fusion data of major taxa (fusion age follows Silver 1969 for cattle and sheep and goat, Davis 1980 for gazelle) Relative abundance of sheep/goat, cattle and pig remains in selected Neolithic sites in the Mediterranean region of the southern Levant

Chapter 11 Table 11.1. Table 11.2.

Breakdown of the finds according to excavation squares Selected Hula Valley sites and their chrono-cultural attributions

viii

Abstract In the autumn of 2007 a large-scale salvage excavation took place on the western margins of Beisamoun in the Hula Valley in northern Israel, as part of the development of the Rosh Pinna–Qiryat Shmona highway. Excavation in the western part of the greater area of the Beisamoun site, formerly known mainly for its Pre-Pottery Neolithic B finds, revealed a wealth of a archaeological features and finds attributed to an early phase of the Pottery Neolithic period. This volume presents the final reports and anlyses of the 2007 salvage excavation, and it discusses relevent issues concerning the prehistory of the Hula Valley during the earliest stages of the Pottery Neolithic period.

ix

Chapter 1

Acknowledgements The excavation and analysis of its finds were sponsored by the Israel National Roads Company and were supported by the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa, and the Hebrew Union College. Logistical management was conducted by Y. Govrin and we thank him for his assistance and technical support. We wish to thank E. Dan, A. Avshalomov, and M. Mualem for their infinite help in the field and lab work. We are indebted to D. Ilan of the Hebrew Union College, and D. Nadel, M. Weinstein-Evron and D. Kaufman for all their help, support and encouragement. We are grateful to our colleagues at the Zinman Institute at the University of Haifa, in particular M. Eisenberg for all his generous help and support. A. Assaf, who discovered the site, enriched us with wise insights and historic information about Beisamoun. Our thanks go to S. Weiner for conducting the preliminary FTIR tests; to E. Boaretto for the analysing the 14C samples and to E. Weiss for inspecting the flotation samples. We also thank the people of the IAA northern and prehistory divisions for their help. D. Golan assisted in collecting the control samples for the stone clast tests. Our thanks go to R. Shimelmitz for his helpful comments on chapter 5 and to Y. Abadi-Reiss for her useful commenting on chapters 6 and 7. We would like to thank A. Berman, D. Syon, and C. Lorber, (numismatics); G. Finkelstein and E. Stern ( late pottery) and H. Barbè for their useful remarks on chapter 10. We would like to acknowledge A. Avshalomov, V. Domov and I. Rosenberg for the drawings of the figures. Graphic editing and designing was patiently conducted by I. Rosenberg. M. Rosovsky improved the English style of the text—we thank them both for their infinite efforts and patience. We also thank D. Davidson for all his help. The excavation was directed by D. Rosenberg and I. Groman-Yaroslavski of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa. Field photographs were taken by D. Rosenberg, I. Groman-Yaroslavski and E. Dan. Danny Rosenberg, Laboratory for Groundstone Research Zinman Institute of Archaeology The University of Haifa, Israel December 2009

xi

Chapter 1 The site and the 2007 salvage excavation Danny Rosenberg Introduction The site of Beisamoun is situated approximately 12 km south of the city of Qiryat Shemona, east of the Rosh Pinna–Qiryat Shmona road (route 90). It lies at the foot of the Naphtali Mountains in the Hula Valley, northern Israel (Figure 1.1). This large area, commonly referred to as ‘Beisamoun’, is situated in the Hula Valley, a large valley, part of the Rift Valley, which stretches from the Naphtali Mountains (Figure 1.2) eastward to the Golan Heights (Figures 1.3–1.4). The terrain of the greater Beisamoun area is mostly flat, apart of Tel Mallaha, situated in its southern part. The site is elevated 83–86 m a.s.l. Figure 1.2. Naphtali Mountains viewed from the site

While the greater prehistoric site of Beisamoun covers an area of ca. 400 dunams, it is quite clear today that this

‘mega site’ is possibly a cluster or clusters of smaller, independent occupations, attributed to several periods and cultures. Most of these occurrences seem to be situated north, west and south-west of Tel Mallaha. Beisamoun is well known for its prehistoric finds, dated mostly to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (Lechevallier 1978). Yet as past surveys have shown (Rosenberg et al. 2006) this site was also occupied during the Late Pottery Neolithic/ Early Chalcolithic period and through modern times (see chapter 10, this volume). This chapter and the following chapters present and discusses the results and finds of an extensive salvage excavation, conducted during the autumn of 2007 at one of the Beisamoun occupations, in the southwestern margins of the greater Beisamoun area. Beisamoun—research history The Beisamoun area has been subjected to intensive surface collection since the early 1960s (A. Assaf pers. com.). The collection is stored and presented at the Museum of Prehistory of the Hula Valley at Kibbutz Ma’ayan Baruch, displaying material from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B, Pottery Neolithic and Wadi Rabah culture, as well as Early Bronze Age material (D. Rosenberg pers. obs., and see Lechevallier 1978; Rosenberg et al. 2006). In the second half of the 1960s and early 1970s, the site was surveyed and tested by a French delegation (Lechevallier 1978). This work concentrated on parts of Beisamoun north of Tel Mallaha, previously used as fishponds, hence were named according to the pond numbering: ponds 1, 2, 10, and 12 (Figure 1.5). The operations revealed an abundance of finds. Architecture remains include walls and plaster floors, and plentiful flint, stone, obsidian and

Figure 1.1. Map of Beisamoun and other Pre-Pottery Neolithic and Early Pottery Neolithic Yarmukian sites 1

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 1.3. Golan Heights viewed eastward of the site

Figure 1.4. A view towards the Golan Heights. The area of the previous excavations lies east of the white silo in the centre of the picture bone tools; other finds include human burials and plastered skulls. These finds dated the northern and eastern parts of the site mainly to the Pre-Pottery B, and to the Wadi Rabah culture (Lechevallier 1978:127; Perrot 1975).

the data gathered during the processing of the surface collection, suggesting the presence of a Wadi Rabah site in this area of Beisamoun (see also Rosenberg et al. 2006). Excavations were resumed in 2007, at pond 11 adjacent to the western margins of the previously excavated pond 10 (Figure 1.5). These excavations, and test trenches dug by a backhoe, revealed mainly Late Pre-Pottery B material (yet also Pottery Neolithic and Early Bronze Age materials), including a stony

Further operations included two series of trenches dug by mechanical tractor in 1971, south-west of the previously tested area (Lechevallier 1978:127). This work uncovered mainly Wadi Rabah material, and it was supported by 2

Chapter 1 positioned parallel to the highway on the south-western edge of the site, reveling scent architectural remains and levels of angular stones (Khalaily et al. 2009). The outcome of the test excavation was a decision to carry out a salvage excavation on the site in the area adjacent to the test excavation.

area and wall fragments (Bocquentin et al. 2007; Khalaily and Bocquentin 2008). During 2006, and as part of the widening of the road leading to the city of Qiryat Shmona, the Israel Antiquities Authority dug four probe trenches with a backhoe, followed (in 2007) by a test excavation

Figure 1.5. Beisamoun past excavations and the 2007 salvage excavation (enlarged area). The area enclosed in a broken line at the top of the drawing marks the dispersal of finds as noted by the French delegation. Hatched squares mark other excavations in the greater Beisamoun area 3

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 1.6. The excavation area at the end of the 2007 salvage excavation (squares with ragged white bags are from the IAA test excavation). The road to the right is route 90, Rosh Pinna–Qiryat Shmona The site area

(yielding ca. 21 million m3 anually), rising in the Naphtali Mountains, near the well known Natufian site of Ein Mallaha (Eynan), only a few hundreds metres south of the site.

The Pottery Neolithic occupation under discussion here (Although the site was ascribed to the Yarmukian culture following the test excavation—see Khalaily et al. 2009, we provisionally ascribed it to the earlier stages of the Pottery Neolithic period, termed here ‘Early Pottery Neolithic’ or EPN—see chapter 11 for further chronological discussion) lies at the south-western edge of the greater Beisamoun area (Figure 1.5) at the foot of the Naphtali Mountains, which rise steeply to a height of 450–500 m a.s.l., some 150 m west of the site. The elevated, basaltic area of the Golan Heights is on the eastern side of the Hula Valley, ca. 6–7 km east of the site.

The surface of the site was subjected to repeated ploughing and turning of the upper levels for the last century at least (Karmon 1960), and it is still today used for agriculture. Archaeological finds in the surface layer (the top 30–50 cm) are negligible, probably because of the surface collection conducted at the site along the years. The following layer, in which most of the archaeological finds were deposited, consists of a heavy, compact reddish grumosol, derived from the terra rosa soils that cover the mountain slopes. It expands and contracts, depending on annual precipitations and summer drying, creating cracks from 50 to 150 cm deep. Notably this soil lacks naturally deposited stones, pebbles, cobbles or larger boulders.

A perennial water source is the Eynan stream, only some 100– 150 m from the southern edge of the excavated site (Figure 1.5). This stream captures the water of the Eynan spring

Figure 1.7. Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in squares Z, A–C 4

Chapter 1

Figure 1.8. Square C, south-east and later disturbances. Part of the pit fill, looking south-east

The 2007 salvage excavation

All the sediments from the pits and pavements were drysieved using a 4 mm sieve, while other loci (for example the surface layer and disturbed loci) were dry-sieved according to field considerations. However, the attempts to sieve the heavy sediments that were sometimes characterized as hard and moist lumps were not always productive. This is probably partly responsible for the loss of smaller debris and possibly some of the small faunal remains.

In the autumn of 2007, a salvage excavation was begun as a joint venture of the University of Haifa, the Hebrew Union College, and Y. G. Contract Archaeology Company. The excavation was directed by D. Rosenberg and I. GormanYeroslvski of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, University of Haifa. The operation concentrated mainly in the area west of the IAA 2007 test excavation. Areas north and south of the IAA test excavations were probed as well.

Fifty soil samples of ca. 10 litres each were taken from the sediments that were retrieved from the pits and pavements (see below), and underwent flotation and wet sieving (in 1 mm mesh) at the University of Haifa, to extract botanical material. None proved to contain botanical finds (E. Weiss pers. com.). All attempts to find material suitable for 14C dating proved unsuccessful (E. Boaretto pers. com.), including a search for sufficient amounts of charcoal and tests of human and animal bones for collagen. These results seem to correspond well with the relatively poor preservation characteristic of the site (see also chapters 8 and 9, this volume).

Methodology Overall, ninteen 5x5 m and two 2x5 m squares were excavated or probed (Figures 1.5–1.6). The squares were set in a north-south strip (Figure 1.5), some 15 metres east of route 90, from Rosh Pinna to Qiryat Shmona. Nine excavation squares were placed west of and adjacent to the main areas of the 2007 test excavation; the rest were positioned north and south of that area (Figure 1.5). The 2007 salvage excavation at Beisamoun was conducted using a combination of a locus systems combined with a 2x2 m grid. Most of the sediments were excavated applying 10 cm stratigraphic units. Selected, seemingly undisturbed loci were excavated applying 5 cm stratigraphic units and 1x1 m spatial units for control.

The stone lined pits and pavements During the 2007 salvage excavation it became clear that the primary features in the excavated area were pits and pavements encompassing large quantities of angular stone clasts (see chapter 3, this volume) and other artefacts (Figures 1.7–1.26).

The deepest sounding reached approximately 2 m below the present surface, but most of the archaeological features were found 30–50 cm below surface and at a maximum depth of 80–150 cm. Overall, ca. 284 m 2 were exposed and ca. 305 m3 were excavated.

Remains of these features were found in most of the excavated area. However, in most squares (A–I, M, P–Q, S–T, X and Z) the original pavements or pits 5

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun appeared disturbed to a certain degree by later, postNeolithic activity. Sometimes these disturbances were an obstacle when we tried to establish the chronology and site-formation history; still, in most cases pavements and pits alike seem related to continuous activity, with no clear or lengthy gaps in the formation processes. These features are described below, from north to south, and their content is presented in the following chapters.

In Squares Z, A, B, C and X (Figure 1.7), the northernmost excavation squares, the original contours of the pits and pavements were disturbed by some late, so far undated construction activities, and the presence of building stones and fieldstones was noted. Clearly, however, this area was also characterized in the past by pits or pavements (Figures 1.7–1.10).

Figure 1.9. Square C, eastern section and the outline of the pit

Figure 1.10. Square C, a small spot of whitish, unidentified material (plaster lining?) 6

Chapter 1

Figure 1.11. Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in squares J–O

Figure 1.12. Square J, top of a pit (Locus 183) where the burials and pottery were found, “marked” by a whitish lime-plaster strip 7

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 1.13. Square K, looking south-east. Note the two lining/fill stages of the same pit/pavement The pits and pavements were usually found ca. 30–50 cm below the present surface. They are not homogeneous in layout, and at some points they are 30–80 cm thick (Figure 1.8), while at others, as can be seen in the eastern section of Square C (Figure 1.9) they are 10–20 cm thick only. A “wavy” outline characterizes the eastern section of Square C, which also presents a small area where a whitish substance (plaster lining?) is associated with the upper parts of the pit, near the eastern section of the square (Figure 1.10).

and another pit, confined to the south-east corner of the square (and continuing eastwards). The eastern pit (Locus 183) which became the most intriguing feature in the 2007 salvage excavation was encountered ca. 40–50 cm below the present surface, and it covers an area of ca. 2–3 m 2 at its upper section, and 0.5–1 m 2 at its base. The sediments are grey, compact, and rich in angular stones. Notably, the accumulations in this pit contain most of the pottery fragments found in the excavation, as well as remains of two human interments (found in the upper part of the pit), flint and stone items.

Squares D to I, featured remains of the stone pits or pavements only seldom, since most of the area was disturbed by early (and modern) activities. Remains of small pits were noted in the north-eastern quarter of Square F, in the south-eastern corner of Square G (partly excavated during the IAA test excavation) and in the south-western corner of Square H. Square J featured segments of two pits; both were dug into the sterile soil (Figure 1.11). These include a concentration of stones (Locus 185), probably the northern part of the pavement or the large pit exposed in Square K (here it is confined to the south-west corner of Square J—see below)

A strip (ca. 10x10x100 cm) composed of whitish, limeplaster-like material, was encountered at the uppermost parts of the pit, extending in a north-south direction (Figure 1.12). This feature is directly related to the stones and other finds discovered within the pit and is probably some sort of grave-marker for the burials found only a few centimetres below. Some kind of lining of light grey sediments and stones was applied to the bottom of the pit. The upper part of this pit was possibly removed by modern ploughing.

Figure 1.14. Square K, southern section. Note the two lining/fill stages of the same pit/pavement

Figure 1.15. Square K, close-up view of the stone fill of the pit 8

Chapter 1

Figure 1.16. Square K, the plaster patch found at the lower part of the pit, intermixed with angular stones. Note later stages of the pit seen in the (southern) section

Figure 1.17. Square K, the plaster patch 9

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun and it resembles the patch found in Square C (see above). The suggestion of a lining is backed by the inclination of this patch, which follows that of the earlier pit contour and its mixture with stones. The later pit in Square K is larger; it incorporates most of the stones and fills in the square. This suggests that the mass of stones in Square K is actually an accumulation in two separate pits or phases, one dug into the other. Within the sediments, flint and stone artefacts were found, as well as a few pottery shards and lumps of clay, together with some animal bones. Square L (Figures 1.11, 1.18) contains patchy remains of three pits, encountered 30–40 cm below the present surface. Within these, the sediments are mostly grey, and rich with stones in various densities. The lower parts are usually dark brown or black. This matrix also contains flint and stone items, as well as animal bones, two pottery shards and three obsidian items.

Figure 1.18. Square L, eastern section. Note pit outline

Square L contains a pit 50 cm deep in its eastern section (Figure 1.18). This feature was not encountered beyond the eastern section, but was restricted to this one, and probably stretches east of the present excavation. The bottom of the pit was lined with a layer of stones, 10–20 cm thick. This is similar to the linings found on the other surfaces and pits. The pit was dug into the sterile soil and the contact between the pit’s bottom and the sterile soil is typically black. It is possible that two phases of stone lining characterize this pit, but the state of preservation prevents a clear-cut determination on this matter. The fill appears to be of light brown colour, and above the pit fills, accumulations are similar to those of the surface layer. Figure 1.19. Square N, top of pavement Another pit was noted near the southern part of the square and seen also in the southern section of the square; close to the northern section of Square M (it was also observed

Square K is characterized by the presence of a shallow pit or depression filled with stones, 30–40 cm below the present surface (Figures 1.11, 1.13–1.17). The pit was dug into the sterile soil and has a maximum depth of ca. 30 cm in the south-eastern parts of the square. This pit apparently had at least two consecutive accumulation phases, separated by dark grey soil and marked by two stone “layers” (Figures 1.13–1.14). The lower, earlier one is thin and quite small, while the upper is somewhat thicker. The pit is densely filled with stones (Figure 1.15), as well as artefacts and anthropogenic sediments. The matrix in the upper parts of the pit, just below the surface layer, is brown and intermixed with angular stones. Just below this “layer” the sediments are grey and become darker towards the bottom of the pit, where stones are incorporated in dark grey sediments. This could mean the existence of some lining or paving of the bottom of the pit, or the residue of organic material accumulated in the lower part of the pit. An apparent plaster lining on a layer of stones was noted in the south-eastern parts of Square K (Figures 1.16–1.17). This small patch is the only place where some sort of lining or coating of the stones was encountered in this square,

Figure 1.20. Square N, close-up of the pavement 10

Chapter 1 In Square O a shallow pit filled with stones or a stone pavement was noted, ca. 40–50 cm below the present surface (Figures 1.11, 1.21–1.23). It characterized mainly the eastern half of the square (Figure 1.11). It is best seen in the eastern and northern section of the square (Figure 1.22), where the stony feature has a clearly ‘wavy’ outline (like that in the eastern section of Square C), which probably signifies a few small adjacent pits. This feature is mostly 10–20 cm thick (only 1–2 layers of stones). Originally, this feature seems to have been 1.2–1.5 metres across. The sediments in the upper parts are brown or grey and packed with stones, while the lower parts, where the undersides of the stones touch the sterile soil, are black or dark grey. In the stony matrix flint, stone, and other finds were observed, including lumps of clay (Figure 1.23) and animal bones. Square S contains the remnants of one pit and possibly of a related pavement (Figures 1.24–1.26). Late activity, during the Roman period (evident from the find of an amphora fragment in which a coin was placed— see chapter 10, this volume), disturbed much of the Neolithic accumulation and features.

Figure 1.21. Square O, close-up of the pavement in the northern section of the probe in Square M). This pit was encountered ca. 30–40 cm below the present surface; it is ca. 2–2.5 m in diameter and 50–70 cm deep. Its lower parts are characterized by dark sediments and at least two stony layers are noted within it, although these were not spread horizontally within the pit. The rest of Square L (mainly its central and western parts) is characterized by a combination of angular stones and grey to black sediments, probably reflecting another pit or a shallow depression. The latter is characterized by two consecutive accumulation phases, noted in the northern section of the square as well. Within this matrix, abundant lumps of clay were noted, relatively numerous compared with the rest of the excavation squares. Similar to other pits, the meeting points of the lower parts of the stony layers and the sterile soil are grey-black and preserve relatively few finds.

Figure 1.22. Square O, eastern section

Square N is characterized by a patchy, probably disturbed pavement or a shallow depression, filled with stones (Figures 1.11, 1.19–1.20). This was noted ca. 20–40 cm below the present surface and it is evenly thick. The western and southern parts of the square were apparently more disturbed than its eastern parts, and the damage seems inflicted by post-Neolithic activity. In Square N, the paving was probably laid to level the inclination of the terrain, sloping southward here towards the Eynan stream. In the northern section of this square, a shallow depression was noted but its relation to the rest of the square is unclear. The sediments in the stony matrix are brown or grey; in it were found flint and stone artefacts, a single pottery shard, lumps of clay, and animal bones.

Figure 1.23. Square O, a lump of clay ‘smeared’ on top of the pavement 11

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 1.24. Drawing and sections of the pits and pavements in Squares S–T

Figure 1.25. Square S, eastern section and the pit

Figure 1.26. Square S, the top parts of the pit near the eastern section of the square 12

Chapter 1

Figure 1.27. Square T, top view

Figure 1.28. Square T, southern section

Figure 1.29. Square T, close-up of the top of the pavement 13

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun The pit is located near the eastern section of the square (Figures 1.25–1.26) with most of its volume situated east of the excavated square. The maximal diameter of the pit is apparently 1–1.5 m, and it is lined with what appears to be a layer of stones ca. 20–30 cm thick. This pit was dug into the sterile soil. Within this pit, the matrix resembles the matrices in most of the other squares: grey and brown sediments that make up most of the pit’s volume, and darker lower parts. Finds include flint, stone artefacts, lumps of clay, and animal bones.

The nature of the pits and pavements, and the fact that these were interlaced with one another and with the architecture, suggest that the entire complex was formed or developed as a single unit. However, why such a mass of stone was brought to the site, and probably modified there, is at present obscure. Still, these stone masses were clearly brought to the site for a special reason, and this was directly related to the alteration of the stone form. In addition, these stones were evidently used for lining pits and shallow depressions, as fills for pits, and as material for constructing pavements. It is equally interesting that these ‘fillings’ were incorporated and intermixed with anthropogenic material and various artefacts, as well as with the distinct burial of two individuals (see chapter 8, this volume).

Square T is characterized by a large pit dug into the sterile soil, covering most of the south-western parts of the square. The pit is ca. 30–40 cm deep and the stony layer is 30–35 cm thick (Figures 1.24, 1.27–1.29) found ca. 30–40 cm below the present surface. Presumably, the pit deepens southward, penetrating the southern section.

The 2007 salvage excavation offers a partial view of the Early Pottery Neolithic site, as it focused only on parts of the site and evidently its western margins. Consequently, further investigations east of the present salvage excavation and the earlier test excavation are necessary, to shed more light on the nature of the habitation at this part of Beisamoun.

The sediments are mostly grey, except for the lower 5 cm of the pit, which are black and characterized by the small number of artefacts. Another pit, or a shallow depression, was noted in the northern section, with its lower parts in the north-western parts of this square. Within this feature, grey sediments were noted as well as angular stones. The finds from these pits, specifically the southern pit, include flint and stone tools and a single obsidian item found at the bottom of the southern pit. A single pottery shard, lumps of clay, and animal bones were also found, as well as a few human bones.

Even at this stage, it is clear that Early Pottery Neolithic communities occupied this part of the Hula Valley, while taking advantage of the rich, affluent environment of the valley and the mountains. The position at the site at the margins of the valley and to the foot of the Naphtali mountains possibly suggest that the site may have served as a bridge between areas north of Beisamoun and areas to its south during the earliest stages of the Pottery Neolithic period.

Summary During the Early Pottery Neolithic period (the validation of this term should undoubtedly be investigated in the future, although for now, it seems justifiable to use a more natural nomenclature rather than attribute this occupation to the Yarmukian culture), the south-western parts of the greater Beisamoun site, well known for its earlier PrePottery Neolithic B and latter, Wadi Rabah culture related occupations, were characterized by a large area dotted by pits and related pavements, resulted in a dens stone made ‘platforms’. These features are definitely linked to the architectural features (walls and pavements as well as pits and hearths) found east of the area of the 2007 salvage excavation (Khalaily et al. 2009) and thus should probably be viewed as part of a larger domestic architectural complex.

The following chapters offer detailed reports of the site’s geological, environmental, and catchments area (Chapter 2), and of the different categories of finds. These include the stone components of the pits and pavements (Chapter 3), the pottery assemblage (Chapter 4), the lithic assemblage (Chapter 5), the obsidian finds (chapter 6), and the stone assemblage (Chapter 7). The results of the osteological study of the human bones (Chapter 8), of the faunal remains (Chapter 9) and of the late finds (Chapter 10) are also presented. Finally, a comprehensive discussion is offered to conclude the result of study of the site (Chapter 11).

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Chapter 2 Geological, geomorphological and environmental settings Nurit Shtober-Zisu Geological and geomorphological settings of the western margins of the Hula Valley

The Hula Valley has become formed since the Late Neogene and continues to change today (Picard 1963; Horowitz and Horowitz 1985) as a deep inland depression, which has since served as a base level for fluvial and gravitational processes (Figure 2.2). Geological studies indicate that the main topographic and hydrologic contours of the valley had been established by approximately 18,000 years BP (Heimann 1985:143).

The Hula Valley (Figure 2.1) is an elongated depression in northern Israel, which occupies the northern sector of the Dead Sea–Red Sea–East African Rift System (DSR). It is approximately 25 km long, 6–8 km wide, and covers an area of about 177 square km.

Figure 2.1. The Hula Valley 1951 (modified after Karmon 1960) The valley is bounded to the west by the Naphtali Mountain front and to the east by the Golan Heights slopes, as large border faults, trending mainly north-south, created a complex Graben structure (pull-apart basin, see Heimann 1990). Basaltic hills about 200 m above sea level, originating from Late Pleistocene volcanic activity, define the southern border of the valley, restricting water drainage downstream into the Sea of Galilee. In the north, the valley is delimited by a more gradual transition to the elevated Lebanon Valley, also rising to about 200 m above sea level. In such conditions, the clearly defined Hula Valley has been covered by wetlands, swamps, or lakes since its formation, yielding a distinctive succession of sediments and soils.

Figure 2.2. General map of the Hula Valley and major faults Beisamoun is located at the foot of the Naphtali Mountains characterized by a 400–900 m escarpment. The exposed lithology contains soft and hard carbonate rocks, deposited from the lower Cretaceous up to the Neogene. West of the site, the lithology comprise mainly Mid-Cretaceous limestone, dolomite and chert, while the water divide region also contains Senonian to Palaeocene chert, chalk and marls (Kafri 1991; Sneh and Weinberger 2003) (Figure 2.3).

15

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun with a second sedimentary unit, named Q5 (see Figures 2.4, 2.6) and is composed of a combination of pebbles and clays forming Grumosol soils, originating in the terra rosa soils that cover the rocky carbonate slopes. In addition, dark olive-brown and dark brown clay soils appear at a depth of 2.5–4.5 m, indicating periods of lakes/fresh water presence. Towards the valley centre, the percentage of clay content increases, while the abundance of rock particles decreases (Figure 2.6). Both units create the infill along the valley margin, and the bottom layer underneath the excavation site, which is in fact almost devoid of indigenous, naturally deposited rocks. This further suggests that most, if not all the pebbles, cobbles and larger rocks and clasts found in the 2007 salvage excavation as fills of pits and as pavements (see chapter 1, 3, this volume), were brought to the site during the early stages of the Pottery Neolithic period. The climate, vegetation and fresh water sources At present, the Hula Valley climate is typically Mediterranean, characterized by hot dry summers and cool rainy winters (see also Eisenberg et al. 2001a; Lechevallier 1978:126–27 for further discussion on the western Hula Valley settings). However, the valley’s mountain-enclosed topography results in more extreme seasonal as well as daily temperature fluctuations.

Figure 2.3. Geological and lithological map of the Naphtali Mountains in the vicinity of the 2007 salvage excavation (modified after Sneh et al. 1996)

Annual rainfall varies greatly in different parts of the valley, ranging from about 400 mm in the south, to up to 800 mm in the north. The Beisamoun study area receives approximately 500–600 mm rainfall a year. More than 1,500 mm precipitation falls on the Hermon mountain range (mostly as snow), feeding underground springs, including the sources of the Jordan River, and giving rise to much of the abundant water flowing through the valley. The wind regime is dominated by regional patterns in the winter, with occasional strong north-easterly wind storms. In the summer, local warming and cooling patterns produce strong westerly to northerly winds in the afternoons, characterized by low humidity (Shalit 1978).

The slopes of the Naphtali Mountains are steep (30%–60%), owing to the short horizontal distance of 1–2 km between the water divide and the Hula base level. The escarpment is dissected by short, steep, straight, and parallel slope channels, mostly of first and second order, that developed at recurring distances of 300–500 m, perpendicular to the Hula Valley. The incised channels dissipate and disappear adjacent to the base level, where young sediments are deposited at the channel mouths (Shtober-Zisu et al. 2003). The intensive gravitational debris movements drain into the valley and cover the main fault under the ‘Hula Group’ sediments (Horowitz 2001). During the Quaternary period, six fan-like sedimentary units were deposited along the mountain piedmont, facing the channel mouths. The outcrops extend along the channels up to an elevation of 300 m above the base level (Figure 2.3). The sediments consist of polymictic conglomerates, comprising poorly sorted limestone, dolomite, and chert gravel, with a clay matrix cemented by carbonates at various stages of development (Figure 2.4). Two of these sedimentary units are exposed in the study area, in a fan-like geometry resembling alluvial fans and fluvial processes. The first unit, named Q4 (see Figures 2.4–2.5), consists of polymictic limestone, dolomite, chert gravel and pebbles with clay material (deposited during the Holocene). This was OSL-dated to 5.8±0.6 ka BP and 3.0±0.5 ka BP (Shtober-Zisu et al. 2008). It interfingers

Figure 2.4. The five sedimentary, fan-like units were deposited along the Naphtali Mountains piedmont 16

Chapter 2 basin about one and a half metres deep in summer and three metres deep in winter (Washbourn and Jones 1936). The area north of the lake was covered by peat swamps, consisted mostly of an impenetrable tangle of papyrus, interspersed with channels of running water and pools. In all, the lake and swamps covered up to 60 km 2, with substantial seasonal and inter-annual variations due to changes in water level. A large-scale drainage project, mainly in the 1950’s, resulted in the draining of the entire swamp and lake area, with the exception of an area left in its natural state to form a nature reserve and national park (Karmon 1960). Beisamoun, specifically the Early Pottery Neolithic occupation (see chapter 1, this volume) is located on the south-western margin of the former swamp area, close to the major springs and stream of Eynan (Figures 2.1–2.2). The valley no longer preserves its past vegetation owing to intensive agriculture and human land use for thousands of years in the whole area, but its location allowed access to fresh water, as well as hunting, fishing and growing various crops on the mountain slopes.

Figure 2.5. A section cut in sedimentary unit Q4

The vegetation of the highlands on either side of the valley, and that of the lowlands comprising the valley itself, are wholly distinct. For several millennia, human activities eradicated most of the natural vegetation, mainly through agricultural activity (Gutman et al. 2001). The Mediterranean vegetation of the slopes is characterized, depending on soils and available water, by oak woodlands, park forests or maquis of different densities. The dried terra rosa soil habitats are occupied by the evergreen Quercus calliprinos, while the winter deciduous Quercus ithaburensis prevail in the wetter parts with basalt or alluvial soil (Horowitz 2001). Ample evidence form pollen core as well as palaeobotanical and palaeozoological studies at archaeological sites suggest that permanent swamps were a dominant characteristics of the valley throughout the Holocene (see Eisenberg et al. 2001a:5 and references therein).

Figure 2.6. Soil profile across the Naphtali Mountains piedmont area, located approximately 3 km north of the 2007 salvage excavation at Beisamoun. Based on field observations, it is estimated that the nature of sediments and soils is similar in both sites Freshwater lakes and marshes have existed more or less continuously in the valley, and their lacustrine, paludal, or fluvial sediments are locally interstratified with basalt flows in its central part (Heimann 1990). However, only the most recent Hula Lake deposits are outcropped in the study area (Shtober-Zisu 2006).

Prior to its artificial drainage in the 1950s, the Hula Lake was ca. 5.3 km long and 4.4 km wide, extending over 12–14 km2 (Figure 2.1). It was a shallow, pear-shaped

17

Chapter 3 The stone component of the pits and pavements Danny Rosenberg and Nurit Shtober-Zisu Introduction

Excavations at the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A strata at Hatoula revealed a large quantity of fragmented cobbles and pebbles (Ronen and Winter 1997:7, tables 1–2). Two samples from archaeological contexts and a control sample from a slope opposite the site were petrographically analysed for size, lithology, cracking patterns and heating signs. Most clasts proved to be composed of limestone and dolomite (80%–90% of the samples) and most were broken (ca. 90% of the samples).

Pits and pavements, filled or made mostly with angular cobbles, pebbles or boulders, are well known in the southern Levant (for convenience, we henceforth use the generic term ‘clasts’ for these mostly angular stones). These features appear in many Neolithic sites, probably starting in the Natufian culture when hunter-gatherers first occupied specific locations for relatively long periods and built stone houses. Two of the most important Natufian sites in the southern Levant el-Wad Terrace (Weinstein-Evron et al. 2007) and Eynan (see for instance Valla et al. 2007: Figures 3.12–3.14, 3.18, 3.28) show high density of fragmented or angular stones in the site matrix, although at el-Wad, the position of the site, below a high, vertical cliff may have caused the presence of so many clasts (Weinstein-Evron et al. 2007).

It was argued that many (ca. 50%) of the samples were burnt, or had been exposed to heat at various levels. Some of the fragmented clasts had a typical ‘jigsaw pattern’ and it was suggested tht thhis is the outcome of natural tension forces formed between sliding and faulting conglomerate blocks. The researchers concluded that the clasts should be regarded as ‘artefacts’ and were not accumulated by natural agents: no such clasts were found in the Natufian layer at the site, and the difference in frequencies between the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A samples and the control samples was considerable.

Stone-filled pits and pavements became more prevalent during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic and Pottery Neolithic periods, in sites situated in various ecological niches and different geological settings. During Pre-Pottery Neolithic B, large open areas were often used as repositories for midden and were sometimes laid with stones, perhaps to stabilize them for penning, to corralled herds (GoringMorris and Belfer-Cohen 2008:261, 276).

The results from Hatoula were later backed by additional samples collected from the Natufian site of Eynan and at the Neolithic sites of Munhata and Nahal Lavan 109. These were taken to suggest that at these sites, cobbles, pebbles, or gravel had been collected from the vicinityof the occupations, reflecting local rock usage. Furthermore, it was argued that cracking was at least partly natural, and some of these stones may have been used for cooking and heating (Ronen and Winter 1997:8).

This architectural phenomenon probably reflects the strengthening bond between populations and their permanent occupational sites, as well as Neolithic societies’ growing need for, and tendencies towards, intensive exploitation of a site’s surroundings. These tendencies concern food-related resources (flora and fauna), but also use of the stone (other than flint) for tool making and as building material for construction. One kind of architectural feature, namely various stone-filled pits and depressions as well as pavements made of angular clasts, which were the dominant features in the 2007 salvage excavation at Beisamoun, is the focus of this chapter.

At Abu Gosh, gravel and angular stone ‘layers’ were noted in Pottery Neolithic Layer II and the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B layer III (Barzilay 2003; Khalaily and Marder 2003:18– 20, 133), as well as in the first excavations at the site, which focused on the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B occurrence (Farrand 1978). It was noted there that such a feature was virtually nonexistent near the site (Barzilay 2003:10) and no evidence was found of natural processes (channel bed or debris flows) that might yield such features as these stone layers.

Past research In previous research little attention was usually paid to the composition, layout, and characteristics of stone-filled pits and pavements (but see Barzilay 2003; Farrand 1978). Discussing similar features in caves and rock-shelters, Ronen (1971:91) concluded that these were formed by natural agents and rejected human involvement. However, with regard to the material from the site of Abu Ghosh, Ronen (1971:91) considered that the stone fragments at the site were the result of quarrying and production of building materials.

The presence of other rock types in the matrix such as basalt and beachrock furthermore suggested that these stones were related to construction activities, for example, filling depressions and levelling the area for construction, or as bedding for plaster floors. These works would probably be necessitated by the muddy nature of the terra rosa soil which characterizes the site in the rainy season (Barzilay 2003:10). 19

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun At the Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) site of ‘AtlitYam, many stone pavements were found in different locations, mainly in open areas around houses, sometimes near walls or entrances (Galili 2004:47). These are composed of kurkar (eolianite) stones or broken limestone clasts (5–10 cm across), partly sunk in the clay seabed, creating a raised stone surface. At ‘Atlit-Yam these clasts were suggested to bear ‘heat fractures’, and no signs of abrasion were noticed.

angular clasts were found in pits or structured as platforms, pavements, and possibly ‘heaps’, mostly related to the Pottery Neolithic, Jericho IX accumulation, but to other layers at the site as well (A. Nativ pers.com.). While this is only a partial summary of sites featuring intensive use of, and investment in stones such as limestone, dolomite, and to a lesser extent basalt (e.g., Hagoshrim), these phenomena clearly characterizes many sites and represent a long sequence of periods and cultures. Moreover, these modified or otherwise altered clasts or stones may have accumulated at archaeological sites for more than one reason. It seems to us that in this regards the Early Pottery Neolithic (moreover, the Yarmukian and Jericho IX cultures) are notable for the presence of similar phenomena.

The finds in the stony matrix include flint tools and animal and human bones. Other stone surfaces at ‘AtlitYam are pavements built of flat natural kurkar slabs and others built of gravels, stones and clay, which probably underwent alteration—perhaps a local version of plaster floors (Galili 2004:46–7). Galili (2004) asserts that these surfaces were used various purposes, more specifically isolating artefacts and materials from the clayish ground, which tends to be muddy when wetted. Other flaked stone masses, some used as pavements in courts (mostly basaltic), were reported from the Final Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNC) levels at Hagoshrim were they include evidently flaked material (Rosenberg and Getzov 2006) and were noted at Ashqelon (Dag and Garfinkel 2008:197–200).

While some of the occurrences could have been triggered by the 6,600–6,000 Cal BC climatic interval which resulted in ‘rubble slide’ events, as suggested for Jordan (Rollefson forthcoming; Weninger forthcoming); others might just be the consequence of anthropogenic activity, hence culturally associated. The 2007 salvage excavation at the Early Pottery Neolithic site of Beisamoun offers a unique opportunity to explore these features, with the aim in particular of characterizing the clasts and engaging in new research for a better understanding of their formation processes.

Similar features were noted at various sites: At Azraq 31 (Wright 1992:178), at Kfar Hahoresh, where quantities of angular and ‘frequently burnt’ stones were found as infill within a structure and in a pit (Goring-Morris et al. 1995:46), and Qadesh Barnea 3 (Goring-Morris 1993: cf. Bar-Yosef 1981). At Horbat ‘Uza (strata 17–19) so-called ‘gravel floors’ (Getzov et al. in press 1), at Nahal Betzet II, atributed to the Yarmukian and Wadi Rabah culture, pits filled with angular stones were noted (Getzov et al. in press 2; Marder and Getzov 2009) and at Tel Yosef ‘cobbled surfaces’, were regarded as the ‘…result of human cultural activity’ (Rosen forthcoming, quoted in Barzilay 2003:10).

The stone components of the 2007 salvage at Beisamoun The predominant features of the 2007 salvage excavation at Beisamoun were pits, shallow depressions, and pavements of various depths and thicknesses and sizes (see chapter 1, this volume). All these features, found in most excavation probes, were filled with or composed of generally angular clasts of diverse size, usually broken, fragmented or cracked (Figures 3.1–3.3). Within the matrix, a wealth of archaeological artefacts was found, as well as human and animal bones.

At Yarmukian ‘Ain Ghazal a dense layer of angular stones was noted, and termed ‘the Yarmukian rubble layer’ (Rollefson and Kafafi 1994:11, 15); it is now argued to be related to slope wash, and for anthropogenic reasons is associated with uses of chalk or soft limestone (Rollefson forthcoming). The Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B strata at the site yielded also angular stones (mostly poor quality flint) that were associated with fire and thought to be ‘firecracked rocks’ (ibid.). Similar rubble layers were noted at Wadi Shu’eib, Jabel abu Thawwab, `Ain Rahub, and elsewhere (see summaries in Rollefson forthcoming). At Mishmar Ha’emeq, pits hewn through the local volcanic rock contained Yarmukian pottery and angular stones (Barzilai and Getzov 2008:15, Fig. 9).

The angular stones or clasts were used to fill and line pits, to level surfaces, and to construct pavements. They were found in most of the excavated squares, and at one time, it seems that the entire area of the salvage excavation was apparently covered with stone-filled pits and pavements made of stone clasts. Their top parts were found under the topsoil (usually 30–60 cm below present surface) and their lower parts were usually 80–150 cm below the present surface. Thickness varies from one or two lines of stones (5–10 cm thick) to compact fillings of pits usually 20 to 50 cm thick. All pits and pavements were dug and constructed in the thick red or red-brown Grumosol soils, which originate in the terra rosa soils of the adjacent slopes. This soil is characterized by the near absence of indigenous stone (see chapter 2, this volume).

At the Wadi Rabah site of Qidron (Rosenberg et al. 2004) surfaces and small pits with cobbles and pebbles were noted. A few kilometres south of Qidron, at Yesodot,

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Chapter 3

Figure 3.1. Square K, a shallow pit filled with angular stones

Figure 3.2. Square O, top of the stone pavement

Figure 3.3. Square T, top of the stone pavement 21

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun In most cases, the matrix on top of the upper parts of the pits and pavements was similar to the top soil characteristic of the rest of the site, which probably indicates that at least in some cases the original upper parts of the pits and pavements are missing due to post-Neolithic activity and modern ploughing and planting. Grey and grey-black sediments characterize the matrix between the stones, which also contain most of the archaeological material, and occasionally the lower parts of the pits. Darker sediments were also found, sometimes as thin lamina below the lower parts of the pit fills (under the lowest layer of stones that formed the pit fills).

of the excavated area, encouraged us to conduct a study to the stone components, to address directly related questions and to give some preliminary results on the breakage patterns. Other questions about the way these clasts were produced (by intentional flaking or by a thermal shock) are raised, although their answers must await further physical analysis of the stones. The aim of this study is to stimulate further research on the subject, and to offer some references and a preliminary database for future studies. Aims and method

Analysis of these stony features, which probably served as pavements for various tasks and as dumping pits for the settlement found east of the 2007 salvage excavation, are the focus of this chapter. The stratigraphy shows that some of the pits had more than one depositional episode, but most of the area excavated in 2007 was fairly constructed in a single event, or in subsequent events as some of the pits may have had a number of filling episodes. The pits and pavements are described in chapter 1 above, and the remaining finds are presented in the following chapters. The importance of these fills, being the predominant feature

The analysis is aimed at describing coherently the composition of the stone clasts used for filling the pits and lining the pavements, including rock type and fragmentation patterns. We will also seek the main possible processes causing the fragmentation. In general, over 3.4 m3 of stones were measured for volume. These were retrieved mostly from eleven excavation squares (Table 3.1), and the total volume of stone components of the pits and pavements probed in the 2007 salvage excavation area is estimated at 7–10 m3.

Table 3.1. Sampled loci and tested volume Square A

Sampled loci 6

Tested volume of stones (litres) 10

B

23

20

C

43

730

J

181/183/185/187

230

K

203/204

620

L

227/228/229/230

170

N

261/263

580

O

282/283

260

S

363

270

T

382

520

X

422

10

Total

 

3420

Table 3.2. Type and size distribution among raw materials in the sampled units Number of basalt clasts

Extremely fragmented clasts 0–5 cm across

Number of limestone/dolomite clasts 408

Extremely fragmented clasts 5–10 cm across

1299

Extremely fragmented clasts 10–15 cm across

109

Type/Raw material

Extremely fragmented clasts > 15 cm

3

Whole pebbles/cobbles < 5 cm

46

Whole pebbles/cobbles > 5 cm Broken pebbles/cobbles < 5 cm Broken pebbles/cobbles 5–10 cm

48

Unmodified angular clasts < 10 cm

17

Unmodified angular clasts > 10 cm

Total

%

80

488

20.70

205

1504

63.70

109

4.61

3

0.12

57

2.41

76

76

3.22

18

18

0.76

73

3.09

17

0.72

11

25

16

0.67

Total

2040

16 321

2361

100

%

86.4

13.6

100

22

Chapter 3 to size distribution, were also applied. Overall, 2361 clasts were categorized (Table 3.2). The lithological categories determined (Table 3.2) include ‘extremely’ fragmented (angular) limestone/ dolomite clasts, characterized by more than three flaking/ fragmentation scars or various debitage items, such as flakes, blades, etc. These were further separated into four size groups (0–5 cm across; 5–10 cm across; 10–15 cm across and items more than 15 cm across). Other divisions in the limestone/dolomite group are undamaged-whole pebbles/cobbles (divided into clasts smaller or larger than 5 cm across); pebbles/cobbles broken by 1–3 scars (divided into clasts smaller than 5 cm across and clasts between 5 and 10 cm across); and unmodified angular clasts (smaller or larger than 10 cm across).

Figure 3.4. Analysing stone samples in the 2007 salvage excavation

The basalt showed a more limited assemblage, so basalt clasts were separated into an extremely fragmented (angular) clast classes, stones fragments or flakes (clasts smaller than 5 cm across, or 5–10 cm across); undamaged oval pebbles/cobbles smaller than 5 cm across, and broken pebbles 5–10 cm across.

Figure 3.5. Analysing stone samples in the 2007 salvage excavation

A single sample unit was randomly selected, and all clasts included were sorted and weighed according to the above categories to allow further discussion with regard to the frequencies of each group (Table 3.3).

Of the total measured volume of 3420 litres of stones, 33 randomly selected samples of ca. 10 litres each (ca. 330 litres of stones, or 9.64% of the measured volume) were analysed in the field and lab (Figures 3.4-3.5) according to ten morphometric categories constructed and established in advance from field observations of hundreds of clasts during the excavations of the pits and pavements.

The average size and the standard deviation were calculated, and the cumulative frequency of numbers of clasts was plotted against the different size classes. The clast population was measured along the B-axis and divided into seven groups according to their size (2–8 mm, 8–16 mm, 16–32 mm, 32–64 mm, 64–128 mm, 128–256 mm and 128–256 mm). Next, particle frequency and cumulative curves were calculated for each sample.

Every stone in each sampled unit was first classified according to its general lithological definition (limestone/ dolomite or basalt). Next, the clast was classified, and its characteristics counted, for compatibility with one of the ten morphometric categories. Further divisions, according

Table 3.3. Weight distribution of a sample unit (of ca. 10 litres) Type/Raw material

N

% of the total N

Total weight (gr)

Extremely fragmented limestone/dolomite clasts 0–5 cm across

31

27.43

1535

% of Average the total weight weight (gr) 11.04

49.5

Weight range (gr) 8–100

Extremely fragmented basalt clasts 0–5 cm across

4

3.54

98

0.71

24.5

18–33

Extremely fragmented limestone/dolomite clasts 5–10 cm across

50

44.25

7870

56.62

157.4

33–423

Extremely fragmented basalt clasts 5–10 cm across

12

10.62

1879

13.52

156.6

42–650

Extremely fragmented limestone/dolomite clasts 10–15 cm across

3

2.65

1632

11.74

544

291–833

Extremely fragmented limestone/dolomite clasts > 15 cm

–

–

–

–

–

–

Whole limestone/dolomite pebbles/cobbles < 5 cm

2

1.77

39

0.28

19.5

19–20

Whole limestone/dolomite pebbles/cobbles > 5 cm

5

4.42

288

2.07

57.6

31–79

Broken limestone/dolomite pebbles/cobbles < 5 cm

1

0.88

7

0.05

–

–

Broken limestone /dolomite pebbles/cobbles 5–10 cm

4

3.54

355

2.55

88.7

49–176

Unmodified angular limestone/dolomite clasts < 10 cm

1

0.88

196

1.41

–

–

Unmodified angular limestone/dolomite clasts > 10 cm

–

–

–

–

–

–

113

100

13900

100

Total

23

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 3.6. Fragmented/flaked limestone/dolomite clasts 24

Chapter 3 A few samples were tested with FTIR for mineralogical composition and for possible heat treatment in the Weitzman Institute in Rehovot, Israel, but results at this stage are provisional only. We hope that future work will achieve more conclusive results, mainly concerning the possible exposure of the clasts to heat, which may have been one of the agents leading to the alteration of the original form of these cobbles, pebbles and boulders. Results and categorizations The number of stones in each of the sampled units ranges from 17 to 136 per sample of ca. 10 litres, averaging 71.6 clasts per sample. Most of the 2361 clasts (86.4% of the sampled units) are clasts made of limestone or dolomite (Figures 3.6–3.19), found in abundance on the slopes of the Naphtali Mountains in the immediate vicinity of the site (ca. 150–250 m to its west).

Figure 3.7. Intensively broken stone

Some flakes retain clear parts of their striking platforms (Figures 3.16:4, 3.17:5, 3.18, 3.19). Some of these could be classified as ‘primary’ elements, as they retain some of their cortex. In many cases, no effort was made to facilitate continuous sequence of flaking/production, rather than a limited ‘production’ sequence.

The minority of the sampled clasts (13.6% of the sampled units) are made of usually, non-vesicular basalt (Figures 3.20–3.21), usually compact and fine-grained. The basalt clasts may have originated in Galilee, in distinct flows on the eastern slopes of the Naphtali Mountains, or across the valley on the western slopes of the Golan Heights.

Undamaged limestone/dolomite cobbles and pebbles (5.1% of the sample) were sorted according to size. Clasts smaller than or larger than 5 cm are present at nearly the same frequencies (1.9% and 3.2% of the sample, respectively). Mostly these are round or ovate, sometimes thin but mostly relatively thick. These limestone/dolomite pebbles and cobbles represent the size and shapes of the pebble/cobble population found on the nearby slopes of the Naphtali Mountains (see below). Broken limestone/ dolomite pebbles and cobbles (Figures 3.11–3.15) were sorted according to size and represent a relatively small part (2.8%) of the sample.

The dominant components in the samples are angular limestone/dolomite clasts (Figures 3.6–3.8, 89.1% of the limestone/dolomite clasts and 77% of the sample). Most of these are amorphous in shape, and usually angular because of their breakage patterns. Some of the original cortex is still present on many clasts, although occasionally the cortex is hard to differentiate from weathered surfaces. The dominant colours are whitebeige, brown, or grey. Most of the limestone/dolomite clasts (n=1299, 55% of the sample) are between 5 and 10 cm in size (Table 3.2). Broken limestone/dolomite clasts of 10–15 cm and smaller than 5 cm are present as well (4.6% and 17.3% respectively). Broken limestone/dolomite clasts larger than 15 cm are extremely rare.

Limestone/dolomite clasts smaller than 5 cm, or clasts between 5 and 10 cm in size, are present at nearly the same frequencies (0.76% and 2% of the sample respectively). Clearly, these are clasts, just like those in the foregoing group, but they show at least a single (and no more than three) flaking or breakage scars at one pole of the pebble/cobble, on both poles, or on various parts of the item.

Some of the clasts in this group show many scars, making reconstruction of the original blank nearly impossible (Figures 3.6, 3.8). Some are core-like bearing modified or natural striking platforms and production surfaces (Figure 3.9); others seemingly are retouched or flaked (Figures 3.8:5, 3.10), and with some clasts the general shape of the pebble/cobble is still discernible (Figures 3.11–3.15).

The basalt clasts (Figures 3.20–3.21) make up only a small percentage (13.6% of the sample) of the analysed sample, yet they are noted in all pits and pavements. They include extremely fragmented (angular) basalt clasts (12.1% of the sample), undamaged clasts smaller than 5 cm (0.46% of the sample) and broken clasts between 5 and 10 cm in size (1% of the sample).

Flakes are curved or relatively straight in profile; most are thin, although thicker examples are present as well (Figures 3.16–3.19). Flakes include clasts featuring clear bulbs of percussion and/or clear ventral face (Figure 3.16) and thin clasts to which the bulb of percussion is hard to discern yet prima facie was intentionally flaked (Figure 3.17).

Of the extremely fragmented basalt clasts or other flakes and fragments, some are smaller than 5 cm (ca. 3.4% of the sample) and the rest are between 5 and 10 cm across

25

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 3.8. Fragmented/flaked limestone/dolomite clasts

Figure 3.9. A core-like item

Figure 3.10. A pebble showing flaking 26

Chapter 3 (ca. 8.7%). Apart from the heavily damaged clasts, this group also includes fragments (Figures 3.20, 3.21:1–2, 8–9) prima facie flakes, sometimes bearing their bulb of percussion, and blade-like clasts, sometimes resembling large burin-spalls bearing a typical triangular crosssection (Figure 3.21:7).

separately (Table 3.3). In this sample selected, as in the other samples analysed, most clasts (n=84, 74.3%) are extremely fragmented limestone/dolomite clasts. The most dominant components in this group are 5–10 cm across (44.25%, weighing 56.62% of the total sample weight). Basalt clasts (Table 3.3) in the sample (n=16, 14.1%) weigh 1.98 kg (14.2% of the sample weight) and these are extremely fragmented clasts only. Average weight and weight range for each of the present categories are shown in Table 3.3.

One of the sample units (of ca. 10 litres, 13.9 kg) was randomly selected and each of the clasts in it (n=113) was classified according to the above categories and weighed

Figure 3.11. Broken /flaked limestone/dolomite items 27

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 3.12. Cobble bearing scars

Figure 3.13. Elongated pebble, broken by a single longitudinal scar

Figure 3.15. Transversely broken pebble

Figure 3.14. Elongated pebble, transversally broken at both poles (medial fragment) 28

Chapter 3

Figure 3.16. Various limestone/dolomite flakes (arrows marks position of the bulb of percussion) 29

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun

Figure 3.17. Various limestone/dolomite flakes

Figure 3.18. Limestone/dolomite flake

Figure 3.19. Limestone/dolomite flake 30

Chapter 3

Figure 3.20. Broken basalt clast

Figure 3.21. Various basalt clasts 31

An Early Pottery Neolithic Occurrence at Beisamoun Comparison of the stone component of the pits and pavements with the nearby slope sediments

standard soil and rock cover along the adjacent Naphtali Mountain slopes (d). The median clast size (D50) is similar for both populations, but it is clearly seen that 90% of the clasts retrieved from the excavated pits and pavements are smaller than 64 mm, while along the slopes this value is obtained for much bigger particles (128–256 mm).

To test the resemblance of the stone components of the pits and pavements of the Early Pottery Neolithic site, and to compare them with the typical clasts of the adjacent slopes west of the site, a geomorphological technique was employed (Figure 3.22). This was applied on three units randomly selected and analysed by ‘Wolman’s pebble count method’ (Wolman 1954). These sample units were later compared with the sediments that characterize the larger population of bed materials on the Naphtali Mountain slopes (Shtober-Zisu 2006).

Consequently, the slope population is considered more heterogeneous and less sorted than the material from the pits and pavements, as expected for natural distribution along slopes. The roundness values of the clasts in the pits and pavements are low and very similar to those for the slopes (0.1–0.3); this indicates the immediate vicinity of the slopes as a potential source for the pits and pavement clasts. To test possible exposure of cobbles and pebbles to high temperatures (deliberate heating/burning) nine samples from the pits were tested for mineralogical composition using FTIR. Seven samples were collected from the slopes of the Naphtali Mountains and were used as control samples. These control samples were collected from three different locations on the slopes. A primary context of conglomerate (control sample D), with clasts are imbedded in a relatively soft whitish matrix, is on the slopes ca. 150-200 m west of the site. This area is characterized by natural caves and rock shelters used over the years probably by the inhabitants of the Hula Valley and its margins. These features extend across the mountain slopes, at an approximately consistent altitude.

Figure 3.22. The three measurable axes of the rock clasts: A, B and C

Inside the caves, clasts (gravel, pebbles and cobbles in size) were noted in the walls and ceiling. Three samples were tested from this context. ‘secondary’ deposition contexts (control samples C and A) on the slopes were also tested. Control samples C were collected ca. 100 m west of the site down-slope of the location of control sample D, while control samples A were collected from the same altitude ca. 750 m northwest of the site.

The statistical analysis showed unimodal partition of the clasts in each of the three sample units from the site. The three samples show similar characteristics: average size of the clasts is 41–49 mm, with a relatively low standard deviation of 13–19 mm (Table 3.4). The modal class is 32– 64 mm, while the rest of the material is distributed within the nearest classes (16–32 mm, 64–128 mm).

Control samples C and A represent accumulations of clasts within a red-brown clayish matrix. These clasts clearly derive from the weathering of the rock. Three samples were tested from control location C and a single sample was tested from control location A. The results of the FTIR tests still await further study, but preliminary results show that some of the samples from the site have a visible surface alteration of the rim (outer surfaces). The samples include both limestone and dolomite, and a few of them have calcite cores (the middle of the clast). A single basalt item was also noted in one of the samples.

The significance of these values suggests a clear tendency of ‘sorting’ (i.e., the clasts found within the pits and pavements are similar and of circumscribed size). These results corroborate the foregoing (Table 3.2). They are reinforced by the