Human Response to Paleo-Hydrological Fluctuations at ‘En Ḥaẓeva, Israel

The present study investigates human behaviour in response to paleo-hydrological fluctuations at the archaeological site of ‘En Ḥaẓeva, located in the arid Arabah Valley, Israel. Such hydrological changes were determined through various indicators, including the taxonomic and isotopic composition of mollusk shells, as well as sedimentological and geological observations. A survey of the vicinity indicates that the site is located along a marginal fault of the Dead Sea Fault. The presence of fossil gastropod shells and their stable isotope values points to the existence of a paleo-brackish stagnant water reservoir at the site, with the local Hazeva aquifer likely providing surface water and a habitat for the mollusks. Hydrological changes, along with archaeological evidence, led us to suggest that hydrological fluctuations, which resulted in increased water discharge, played a critical role at ‘En Ḥaẓeva at the outset of the first millennium BCE. This, in turn, forced the inhabitants to adapt their construction techniques in response to an unstable environment. By integrating the data sets, we demonstrate the promising potential of combining archaeological, faunal, geological, mineralogical, and isotopic research. We further suggest the possibility of a paleo-seismic event affecting the paleo-hydrological fluctuations.