Israel - Mallaha

Mallaha (Eynan), the first sedentary populations in Israel

“Neolithization”, or the transition of societies of hunter-gatherers to farming, began in the ancient world over 12,000 years ago (in uncalibrated C-14 age). This was a complicated phenomenon that seems to have begun for the first time in Levant, where it developed over several millennia. Today, three main stages have been recognised in this process. The first is characterised by a strong tendency to lead a sedentary lifestyle. This phase flourished particularly in Carmel and Galilee during the Natufian period (12,500-10,200 years ago). The second phase corresponds to the Khiamian and pre-pottery Neolithic A periods (PPNA) (10,200-9,200 years ago). This is also thought to be the time when cereals (wheat, barley) and certain vegetables (peas, lentils) were domesticated in the Damas basin and the Jordan Valley. Domestication of animals for slaughter, goats, and sheep would come a bit later. Discussions are ongoing to determine whether the practice was local or whether it was introduced from the north.