The History of the Chalcolithic Settlement in the Nahal Beer Sheva Area: The Radiocarbon Aspect

Gilead, Isaac

doi:10.2307/1357176

Cited by 49Archaeology and ancient environmental studiesAncient and Medieval Archaeology StudiesArchaeological and Geological Studies

The History of the Chalcolithic Settlement in the Nahal Beer Sheva Area: The Radiocarbon Aspect

Gilead, Isaac·1994·Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research

DOI 10.2307/1357176

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Abstract

There are now dozens of 14C determinations from the Chalcolithic sites in the Nahal Beer Sheva area, most of them from the site of Shiqmim. The role of those dates, and stratigraphy, in establishing the history of the Chalcolithic settlement is described. Outlined also are the problems and prospects of defining phases of settlement by averaging sets of radiocarbon dates. The radiometric data suggest that the sites of Horvat Beter and Bir es-Safadi were settled centuries after Shiqmim was established. The article also illustrates that the radiocarbon dates cannot support the hypothesis that the subterranean structures in the Nahal Beer Sheva sites preceded the above-ground buildings.

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The archaeological record is marked by dramatic changes in settlement patterns, large-scale abandonment of sites, many fewer items with symbolic meaning, and shifts in burial practices, including the disappearance of secondary burial in ossuaries.
“aspects of the archeological record marked by dramatic changes in settlement patterns43, large-scale abandonment of sites52–55, many fewer items with symbolic meaning, and shifts in burial practices, including the disappearance of secondary burial in ossuaries56–59.”
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Authors: Gilead, I.
Corresponding author: Gilead, Isaac
Venue: Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Published: 1994-11
Volume: 296
Pages: 1-13
ISSN: 0003-097X (ISSN-L)
2161-8062
DOI: 10.2307/1357176
OpenAlex: W2324362521
Cited by: 49
References: 22
Citations by year: 2025: 7 · 2023: 3 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 2 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 6 · 2012: 1
FWCI: 0.00
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research (publishedVersion)
Topics: Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Paleontology › Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies
Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Archaeological and Geological Studies
Keywords: Chalcolithic settlement, radiocarbon dating, stratigraphy, settlement phases, underground structures, Neolithic chronology, Levant

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The History of the Chalcolithic Settlement in the Nahal Beer Sheva Area: The Radiocarbon Aspect

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