SHIFTING SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN THE SOUTHERN JORDAN VALLEY AND DESERT FRINGES OF SAMARIA DURING THE EARLY BRONZE AGE I PERIOD

Abstract

This study deals with the unprecedented settlement activity during the Early Bronze Age I that has been recently recorded in the Jordan Valley and the desert fringes of Samaria. The increase in the number of sites primarily characterises the latter part of the period (Early Bronze Age IB), and is accompanied by two other important phenomena: population inroads into new regions, and the first appearance of fortified sites. A profound crisis at the end of the period resulted in the almost complete abandonment of the valley sites and the concentration of settlement along the eastern foothills of Samaria.

Keywords:

• Jordan Valley
• Samaria
• Early Bronze Age
• settlement patterns

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank Yoav Zionit, curator of the Archaeological Staff Officer of Judea and Samaria, for his assistance in locating the different survey finds. I also wish to express my appreciation to Adam Zertal for permission to process the finds of the Manasseh Hill Country Survey which have not yet been published.