Publications
Data production, analytical noise, and predator attribution in Tabun Cave Layer C: a reply to Fernández-Jalvo et al. (2026)
A robust analysis of microvertebrate remains from Tabun Cave Layer C confirms that molar digestion grading provides a reliable, noise-resistant signal for predator attribution. This study counters criticisms by Fernández-Jalvo et al. (2026), reinforcing the original finding that a low-impact raptor, such as Tyto alba, was likely the primary accumulating agent of the microvertebrate assemblage. The research employs a 'signal-versus-noise' framework to address post-depositional noise and demonstrates that taxonomic restrictions on molar digestion did not alter conclusions. Limited evidence for hydrodynamic sorting further supports this attribution.
Natufian sickle blades (ca. 15,000–11,700 cal. BP) reveal cereal cultivation ca. 4.5 millennia before domestication
A groundbreaking analysis of Natufian sickle blades from Mount Carmel's caves reveals that prehistoric communities employed sophisticated cereal harvesting techniques approximately 4.5 millennia before systematic crop domestication. Microscopic use-wear analysis on flint sickle blades from el-Wad Terrace and Salibiya I sites identified patterns consistent with the harvest of semi-ripe and ripe cereals, utilizing their natural shattering mechanism. Additionally, traces of stripping suggest a threshing operation to extract grains efficiently. The study reconstructs an intensive, well-organized harvest strategy that began in mid-spring and continued until late spring, targeting unshattered plants. This practice demonstrates an advanced understanding of cereal properties and mixed stands, indicating early cultivation aimed at minimizing seed loss and stockpiling for future sowing.
Revisiting taphonomic methodologies in microvertebrate research: A case study from Tabun Cave Layer C (Mount Carmel Israel)
A critical reappraisal of taphonomic methodologies in microvertebrate research, using Tabun Cave Layer C (Mount Carmel, Israel) as a case study, reveals the robustness and importance of comprehensive taphonomic analysis. The study reorganizes and reanalyzes raw data from Fried et al. (2024), applying established frameworks such as those by Andrews (1990). Key findings emphasize the necessity of identifying accumulation agents and assessing post-depositional processes to avoid interpretive errors, thereby providing critical palaeoecological insights into Neanderthal and Homo sapiens fossil remains. This work advocates for the refinement and broader integration of taphonomic methodologies in microvertebrate palaeoecology.
Three millennia of lizard and snake consumption by Natufian foragers
A comprehensive analysis of squamate (lizard and snake) remains from the Nahal Me’arot/Wadi el-Mughara Caves at Mount Carmel reveals that these reptiles formed a substantial and consistent part of Natufian foragers' diet over three millennia. Evidence of butchery on snake vertebrae indicates regular consumption, with shifts in squamate abundance and bone modification patterns correlating to changes in site-use intensity rather than environmental factors. Unlike older Paleolithic sites, Natufian herpetofaunal assemblages show a more abundant, taxonomically stable, and less diverse range of larger-bodied species, suggesting human foraging choices adapted to emerging sedentary lifestyles. The study highlights the resilience of targeted squamate species despite fluctuations in habitation intensity, offering insights into early human impact on local reptile communities.
Roman-Period Burial Caves on the Slopes of Mount Carmel: An Anthropological Study
Archaeological excavations at Ḥorbat Mitla, on the western slopes of Mount Carmel, have uncovered a significant concentration of Roman-period burial caves. The study identified at least 65 individuals—ranging from infants to adults of both sexes—in 13 caves, representing a typical 'civilian' cemetery population. Despite the poor preservation of skeletal fragments, on-site anthropological analysis provided insights into this historic burial site. This discovery contributes to our understanding of Roman-period funerary practices and demographic structures in the region.
Cultural Dynamics in the Levantine Upper Paleolithic, ca. 40–33 ky BP: Insights Based on Recent Advances in the Study of the Levantine Aurignacian, the Arkov-Divshon, and the Atlitian
Recent research challenges the long-held model of two co-inhabiting cultural groups during the Levantine Upper Paleolithic (ca. 40–33 ky BP), instead proposing at least three distinct entities: the Early Ahmarian, Levantine Aurignacian, and younger Arkov-Divshon/Atlitian cultures. High-resolution excavations at Manot Cave and Nahal Rahaf 2 Rockshelter, combined with radiocarbon dating and detailed stratigraphic analysis, revealed a chronological overlap among these groups, particularly between the Arkov-Divshon, Levantine Aurignacian, and possibly the Early Ahmarian. The study further suggests an evolutionary link between the Arkov-Divshon and Atlitian flint industries, while highlighting foreign cultural features in the Levantine Aurignacian. These findings necessitate a revision of migration and interaction models for this period.
Requiem for a Garden: Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb or Revisiting Alain Locke's “Impressions of Haifa” 1923 (Palestine) in 2023 (Israel)
This study revisits Alain Locke's 1923 visit to the Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb in Haifa, Palestine (now Israel), highlighting his spiritual and philosophical connection to the Bahá’í faith. Locke, a prominent African American philosopher, was drawn to the site's mystical aura, which he described as inducing a sense of reverence and awe. The research explores Locke's role within the Bahá’í community, challenging the notion that doctrinaire beliefs are necessary for spiritual membership. It contrasts Locke's critical pragmatism with the faith's principles, suggesting that his adherence was more about embodying values like racial amity and human co-fraternity than strict dogma. Additionally, the study reflects on the modern-day transformation of the site, juxtaposing its historical significance with contemporary political tensions in Israel-Palestine, particularly regarding land displacement and religious segregation.
The human side of biodiversity: coevolution of the human niche, palaeo-synanthropy and ecosystem complexity in the deep human past
A groundbreaking study reveals that human activities, particularly those of hunter-gatherers, have played a pivotal role in shaping biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem complexity since the Late Pleistocene. The research challenges the conventional view that biodiversity loss is solely an anthropogenic issue, instead highlighting the deep-time interplay between humans and ecosystems. By analyzing archaeological evidence from sites like Mount Carmel's Nahal Me'arot caves, the study demonstrates that human-environment feedback systems have significantly influenced biodiversity, with implications for understanding current ecological crises. It argues that fostering cultural diversity could be key to promoting biodiversity conservation, offering a novel perspective on planetary stewardship.
First Sex- The Natufian Statue and Professor Dorothy Garrod
The Ain Sakhri statue, unearthed from the Wadi el-Mughara Caves near Jerusalem around 9000 BCE, represents the world's oldest known depiction of human coitus. This discovery, linked to the Natufian culture identified by pioneering paleo-archeologist Dorothy Garrod, predates historical records of sexual self-awareness by millennia. The statue, carved from calcite and distinct from contemporary bone or antler sculptures, provides a rare glimpse into pre-historic social structures and artistic expression. To contextualize this finding, researchers analyzed archives including the British Museum, Pitts River Museum, and Garrod's photographic archive, alongside secondary sources on Natufian art. Dorothy Garrod's groundbreaking work, spanning excavations in the Levant from 1925 to 1934, also highlighted her trailblazing career as the first female professor at Cambridge University (1939-1952), further emphasizing the significance of this archaeological milestone.
First Terrestrial Occurrence of Kaitianite (Ti3+2Ti4+O5) from the Upper Mantle beneath Mount Carmel, Israel
Researchers have identified the first terrestrial occurrence of kaitianite (Ti3+2Ti4+O5), a high-temperature oxide mineral, within melt inclusions in corundum xenoliths from Mount Carmel, Israel. This discovery, part of a broader nanomineralogical investigation, reveals that kaitianite forms under reduced conditions in the upper mantle, occurring as exsolution lamellae in tistarite alongside other complex oxides and phases. The study used electron probe microanalysis and electron back-scatter diffraction to characterize its chemical composition and monoclinic structure, providing insights into the mineral's formation environment. This finding contributes to our understanding of high-pressure, high-temperature processes in Earth's upper mantle.
Imagerie 3D et analyse phylogénétique : l’exemple de l’oreille interne de Tabun C1 et Kebara 1 au Levant sud
A groundbreaking analysis of two fossilized human remains from the Levant—Tabun C1 (an adult) and Kebara 1 (a child)—reveals their unique phylogenetic positioning relative to European Neanderthals. Using 3D imaging of the inner ear's bony labyrinth, researchers found that these fossils exhibit distinct morphological traits not fully aligned with the Neanderthal lineage, particularly in Tabun C1. This challenges assumptions about human diversity during the Middle Paleolithic (250–50 ka BP) in the Levant, suggesting a more complex evolutionary narrative than previously understood. The study highlights regional variations within the Near East's fossil record, offering new insights into the genetic and anatomical distinctions of early human populations.
New Minerals from Inclusions in Corundum Xenocrysts from Mt. Carmel, Israel: Magnéliite, Ziroite, Sassite, Mizraite-(Ce) and Yeite
Researchers have identified five new minerals—magnéliite, ziroite, sassite, mizraite-(Ce), and yeite—within melt inclusions trapped in corundum xenocrysts from the UNESCO-listed Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel, Israel. These high-temperature oxide or alloy phases, formed in mantle-derived melt pockets, include magnéliite (Ti₃+₂Ti₄+₂O₇) with a triclinic structure, ziroite (ZrO₂) featuring a tetragonal zirconia(HT)-type lattice, and sassite (Ti₃+₂Ti₄+O₅) with an orthorhombic pseudobrookite-type arrangement. Mizraite-(Ce), a cerium-bearing aluminum oxide, exhibits a hexagonal magnetoplumbite-type structure, while yeite (TiSi) is characterized by an orthorhombic FeB-type framework. The study employed nanomineralogical techniques to analyze these microscopic inclusions, revealing their empirical formulas and crystallographic parameters, contributing new insights into the mineral diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plant-based red colouration of shell beads 15,000 years ago in Kebara Cave, Mount Carmel (Israel)
A groundbreaking discovery at Kebara Cave, Mount Carmel, Israel, reveals the earliest known use of organic plant-based red pigments, dating back 15,000 years. Researchers identified Rubiaceae plant roots (Rubia spp., Asperula spp., Gallium spp.) as the source of coloration on shell beads from the Early Natufian period, predating previous evidence by nearly 9,000 years. This finding challenges assumptions about pigment use in early human societies and highlights a sophisticated tradition of plant processing among sedentary hunter-gatherers. The study employed SEM-EDS and Raman Spectroscopy to analyze the beads, providing unprecedented insights into Natufian ornamental practices and material culture during a pivotal transition in human history.
The Unseen Record: Ninth–Seventh Millennia Cal. BP Wooden and Basketry Objects from Submerged Settlements off the Carmel Coast, Israel
A rare collection of 16 late prehistoric wooden and basketry artifacts, spanning the Pre-Pottery Neolithic to Middle Chalcolithic periods (ninth–seventh millennia cal. BP), has been uncovered off the coast of Mount Carmel in Israel. These waterlogged finds—including bowls, shafts, a wedge, a trough, a pitchfork, logs, a mat, and a basket—provide an unprecedented glimpse into prehistoric material culture, revealing raw material preferences and manufacturing technologies. The discovery, drawn from underwater research over four decades, challenges the limited understanding of perishable organic materials in the archaeological record due to their typically poor preservation.
A new semi-cryptic Filistata from caves in the Levant with comments on the limits of Filistata insidiatrix (Forsskål, 1775) (Arachnida: Araneae: Filistatidae)
Researchers have identified a new semi-cryptic species of cave-dwelling spider, Filistata betarif, from the Nahal Me’arot / Wadi el-Mughara Caves in central Israel. This discovery highlights significant genetic divergence—over 15%—between F. betarif and its sibling species, F. insidiatrix, which is widespread across the Mediterranean and Middle East. While morphological differences are minimal, particularly in male pedipalps, DNA barcoding of the COI gene revealed distinct genetic variation. Intriguingly, samples of F. insidiatrix from different regions also exhibit substantial genetic divergence, suggesting hidden cryptic diversity within this species. The study employs light and electron microscopy alongside genetic analysis to distinguish these species and provides a dichotomous key for identifying Filistatidae spiders in Israel and Palestine.
Burying the Dead and Keeping the Living Close: Burials and Spatial Location in the Epi-Paleolithic and Neolithic of the Levant
Neolithic societies in the Levant exhibited significant shifts in burial practices and spatial location, transitioning from burying the dead within settlement boundaries to crowded outdoor cemeteries. This shift, observed during the transition from the Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (PPNB) to the Pottery Neolithic (PN) period, reflects social changes such as increased household autonomy and diversity in burial contexts. The study investigates this chronological shift by analyzing the spatial context of burials and their association with communal activities, revealing a complex interplay between ritual practices and memory reinforcement. The research highlights how these changes were intertwined with broader societal transformations during the Neolithic period.
Extended longevity of DNA preservation in Levantine Paleolithic sediments, Sefunim Cave, Israel
A groundbreaking discovery at Sefunim Cave, Israel, reveals that ancient DNA can persist for up to 70,000 years in warm Levantine sediments, defying expectations. Researchers analyzed 33 sediment samples from Paleolithic layers, identifying traces of extinct Cervidae (deer) and Hyaenidae (hyaenas) mitochondrial DNA using paleogenomic techniques. The findings, supported by optical luminescence and radiocarbon dating, suggest that the cave's unique environmental conditions—likely stable and undisturbed since deposition—facilitated exceptional DNA preservation. This study provides critical insights into the potential for recovering ancient DNA from challenging warm-climate contexts, with implications for understanding human and faunal evolutionary history in the Levant.
First Evidence of Trade in Galilean Salted Fish on the Carmel Coast in the Early Islamic Period
A groundbreaking discovery of ichthyological remains within amphorae from the Ma‘agan Mikhael B shipwreck (mid-seventh to mid-eighth century AD) on Israel’s Carmel coast reveals the first evidence of a salted-fish trade operation linked to the Sea of Galilee during the early Islamic period. The identified fish species suggest localized production, contradicting earlier assumptions about the absence of such activities in this region post-Roman era. This finding indicates Caesarea-Maritima as a key distribution hub for salted fish following the transition to Islamic rule. The study underscores the significance of archaeozoological methods in uncovering trade networks that left minimal traces in historical records, offering new insights into maritime commerce and economic shifts in the eastern Mediterranean.
Insights into Natufian Social Identity: A Case Study from the Graveyard of Hayonim Cave
Burials at Hayonim Cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Sites of Human Evolution at Mount Carmel, reveal that certain locations served as dedicated burial grounds for over 3000 years during the Natufian period. This continuity suggests a strong cultural memory and adherence to mortuary practices, reinforcing social cohesion within and between groups. The study highlights similarities in burials across distinct sites like Hayonim Cave and Eynan, indicating inter-group ties. By analyzing these patterns, researchers demonstrate how long-term retention of burial traditions played a pivotal role in shaping Natufian social identity.
Mobilitat i sedentarisme: Convergència de dos conceptes divergents a partir de l’arqueologia
A new synthesis challenges traditional dichotomies between mobility and sedentarism, demonstrating that human communities in the Near East exhibited dynamic patterns blending both lifestyles. The study leverages archaeological evidence from Mount Carmel's Nahal Me'arot/Wadi el-Mughara caves to reveal how prehistoric groups adapted to diverse environments by integrating seasonal mobility with semi-permanent settlements. By analyzing exchange networks and spatial appropriation, researchers show that these communities actively managed their landscapes rather than adhering strictly to either nomadic or sedentary models. This global perspective offers a nuanced framework for understanding human adaptation in the Pleistocene and Holocene.
Early production of table olives at a mid-7th millennium BP submerged site off the Carmel coast (Israel)
Research at the submerged site of Hishuley Carmel reveals the earliest known production of table olives, dating back to the mid-7th millennium BP. Analysis of olive pit size and fragmentation patterns, pollen data, and architectural features associated with pits indicates that large quantities of table olives were prepared at this site, likely facilitated by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, which provided sea water and salt for debittering and pickling. Experimental demonstrations support this hypothesis. Comparisons with modern cultivars and wild-growing trees suggest that the ancient olive pits resemble those from wild olives, though early cultivation cannot be entirely ruled out. This finding highlights a significant milestone in the region's exploitation of the olive, with table olive preparation possibly following earlier olive oil production.
The earliest transverse grooved stones of Eurasia: Near Eastern distribution, types and chronology
Transverse grooved stones (TGS), believed to be used as shaft straighteners, first appeared in the Epipalaeolithic Near East around 13,000 BCE and spread across Eurasia. This study identifies three distinct regions—Levant, Zagros Mountains, and Upper Mesopotamia-central Anatolia—as initial centers of TGS production, each with unique morphological and decorative features. The research analyzes over 200 grooved stones from 80 sites, mapping their distribution chronologically to trace cultural interactions during the Pleistocene-Holocene transition. Findings link TGS introduction to hunter-gatherer societies (Natufian, Harifian, Western Zarzian) and highlight their prevalence from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) to the early Bronze Age.
The Shape Diversity of Olive Stones Resulting from Domestication and Diversification Unveils Traits of the Oldest Known 6500-Years-Old Table Olives from Hishuley Carmel Site (Israel)
A groundbreaking analysis of 6500-year-old olive stones from the Hishuley Carmel site reveals traits indicative of both wild and domesticated olives, some strikingly similar to modern varieties. This discovery provides the earliest evidence of table olive cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin. Researchers employed geometrical morphometric analysis on archaeological stones, comparing them with modern samples from wild populations and traditional varieties. The study not only characterizes stone morphological variation but also sheds light on the divergence between domesticated olives and their wild progenitors, offering insights into early domestication syndromes and the dual-use potential of these ancient olives for both oil production and table consumption.
From the Epipalaeolithic into the earliest Neolithic (PPNA) in the South Levant
A significant shift toward early agricultural lifestyles in the Southern Levant occurred over a 15,000-year period during the transition from the Epipalaeolithic to the earliest Neolithic (PPNA). This study reveals that environmental changes during the terminal Pleistocene and earliest Holocene played a crucial role in shaping human adaptations. By analyzing interactions across the Early, Middle, and Late Epipalaeolithic phases, researchers demonstrate how these long-term dynamics laid the foundation for fully developed agricultural practices in later Neolithic periods. The findings highlight the region's complex socio-environmental history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Mount Carmel's Nahal Me'arot/Wadi el-Mughara Caves.
On holes and strings: Earliest displays of human adornment in the Middle Palaeolithic
A significant shift in human adornment practices occurred between 160,000 and 120,000 years ago at UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel. Before 120 ka BP, modern humans collected Glycymeris shell valves without perforation or manipulation, suggesting symbolic significance despite the lack of functional modification. However, by around 120 ka BP, naturally perforated shells were intentionally gathered and suspended on strings, as demonstrated by use-wear analysis and experimental replication. This shift reflects both the desire for adornment and the technological capability to create wearable items. The findings from Misliya Cave (240–160 ka BP) align with earlier discoveries in South Africa, while the perforated shells from Qafzeh Cave (120 ka BP) mirror patterns seen across North Africa and the Levant, indicating a broader cultural development during this period.
Squamate bone taphonomy: A new experimental framework and its application to the Natufian zooarchaeological record
A new experimental framework reveals that squamate (lizard and snake) remains from the Natufian archaeological sites at Mount Carmel, Israel, show distinct taphonomic signatures differing from modern analogues. The study, which analyzed bone modifications caused by digestion, trampling, erosion, and breakage, suggests that these bones were likely subjected to complex depositional processes. This insight challenges assumptions about the role of squamates in Natufian diets, indicating that while human consumption cannot be ruled out for certain species like the European glass lizard and large whip snake, their presence may also reflect non-cultural factors such as trampling or erosion. The research combines experimental taphonomy with intra-site analysis to unravel the depositional history of el-Wad Terrace, providing a novel approach to interpreting zooarchaeological records from this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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