Nahal Yarmuth 38: A PPNB and PN Site in Central Israel

Nahal Yarmuth 38 is a small Neolithic site in central Israel near the city of Beit Shemesh. It consists of two main layers: a Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (MPPNB) on virgin soil (or bedrock) and a partially overlying Pottery Neolithic (PN) occupation of the Lodian culture. The PPNB site consists of a series of rectilinear stone-built structures with lime-plastered floors and at least fifty-six individuals buried in association with these structures.¹ The PN layer is a small hamlet with single stone-built features and rich, characteristic Lodian pottery and flint assemblages. Both layers yielded faunal remains, groundstone tools, marine shells, body ornaments, and a few stone artefacts. The main goal of this paper is to describe in detail the stratigraphy and the architectural features of both layers and to present preliminary results of the analyses of the lithic, groundstone, faunal, pottery, and marine shell assemblages.