The Israel Antiquities Authority and the University of Haifa unveil a time capsule from the Acheul-Yabrodian culture, a rare period in the study of human evolution, in which more complex lifestyles and technologies began to develop.
A prehistoric cave dating to a period between 400,000-250,000 years ago – a time capsule that was sealed for hundreds of thousands of years – is currently being uncovered on the outskirts of the Foreidis local council, near the Zichron Yaakov interchange. The excavation of the cave, from the time of the so-called "Ashlo-Yavrodite" culture, is being funded by the Ayalon Highways Company and managed by Dr. Kobi Vardi and Amit Gabay from the Israel Antiquities Authority, accompanied by Prof. Ron Schimmelmitz from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the School of Archaeology and Maritime Civilizations at the University of Haifa.
"We had the privilege of excavating a unique site of global importance, which was protected from the ravages of time due to the exceptional conditions that existed here," says Prof. Ron Schimmelmitz, University of Haifa"This time capsule belongs to a unique period in the late Lower Paleolithic, just before Neanderthals and modern humans became dominant and spread across many regions. Only a few sites from this important phase have been uncovered in Israel and the Levant in general, with most of them inaccessible to research."
"The gradual changes that appeared during this period: in the human body, in technology and in society, foreshadowed the complex traits and behavioral patterns that emerged later, and characterize Neanderthal and modern humans," adds Prof. Schimmelmitz. "To a certain extent, they can be seen as the buds that led to the development of our complex culture. One of the central processes occurring during this period is the transition to living in larger groups and staying longer in the same sites," adds Prof. Schimmelmitz. "Evidence of intensive use of fire and prolonged human activity has been discovered in caves from the period - evidence of complex and rich camp life. These are findings that many researchers link to the development of social cooperation and knowledge transfer, as part of the processes of human development."
According to Dr Kobe Vardy, Head of the Prehistory Branch at the Israel Antiquities Authority"It is very rare to find a site in such a state of preservation. No prehistorian comes here and is not moved. The site, which is no less important than the well-known site of Nahal Me'arot - and dates to the same period - will allow us to study at high resolution how humans lived at that time. The culture we are studying here is characterized by a variety of advanced methods for producing flint tools - including small, sharp hand stones, scrapers and blades. The excavation also uncovered animal bones, including donkeys, deer and horses, along with evidence of the presence of water, which may have made the site a center of attraction for ancient hunter-gatherer groups."
Given the importance of the site, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the University of Haifa are promoting a large-scale research program, with the aim of reconstructing how humans lived, adapted to their environment, and developed new lifestyles and technologies during the processes of human evolution.
"It is worth noting the mobilization of the Ayalon Routes Company, which agreed to allow us to conduct the excavation. The goal is that after the research, there will be a site here that is open and accessible to everyone – to the residents of Foreidis, to the students of the school near us, and to anyone interested in the prehistory of the Land of Israel," say the researchers.
Short FAQ
What was discovered in Foreidis?
A rare prehistoric cave that was sealed for hundreds of thousands of years, containing flint tools, hand stones, and animal bones.
What period does the cave date from?
The cave dates to a period between about 400 and 250 years ago, during the late Lower Paleolithic.
Why is the website important?
The site belongs to the Achelow-Yabrodian culture, a central but rare period in archaeological evidence, just before the establishment of Neanderthals and modern humans.
Who is digging the site?
The excavation is being directed by Dr. Kobi Vardi and Amit Gabay from the Israel Antiquities Authority, accompanied by Prof. Ron Schimmelmitz from the University of Haifa.
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One response
I greatly appreciate people like Prof. Schimmelmitz, who is willing to admit that he does not know the exact date, to the point of such large differences of 150 years.
I despise those who know the exact time 353,000… and so on