Fazal 7: Large Chalcolithic Architectural Comlex in the Jordan Valley, the 2009-2016 Excavations

Excavations in the Jordan Valley at the Chalcolithic site Fazael 7, situated about 20 km north of Jericho, and part of the large Chalcolithic cluster of sites on the northern bank of Wadi Fazael, have revealed a new and unknown settlement with unusual architecture, dated to the later phases of the Chalcolithic period. Parts of a residential complex were excavated, including two buildings and three adjacent courtyards, whose size and architectural layout are unparalleled in this period. The area of the main structure, which totals 120 m2, is one of the largest structures of the period discovered to date. The courtyards and the architectural complex excavated cover an overall area of more than 1,300 m2. The main structure was split into four rectangular spaces by two dividing walls in order to roof a 6 m span. The economic data indicate a combination of field-crops, grazing of sheep/goats, and hunting. The present article discusses the main architectonic features of Fazael 7 and the main aspects of its material culture.