The Chalcolithic in the Central Highlands of Palestine: A Reassessment Based on a New Examination of Khirbet es-Sauma'a

Abstract

Major formative socio-economic changes occurred during the Chalcolithic period (c. 4500-3600 BC) in the southern Levant, including the beginnings of metallurgy, intensified craft production, new mortuary practices and elaborated iconographic and symbolic expression. Although a mosaic of regional groups are located within discrete geophysical zones, much of our knowledge of these transformations derives from survey and excavation in a few core areas, in particular the northern Negev, the Jordan Valley and the Golan. Our understanding of Chalcolithic occupation and use of other regional zones remains largely cursory, particularly in the north-central highlands and the marginal zones of the south and east. In this article we suggest that the settlement expansion documented in areas such as the northern Negev took place in other regions, such as the southern highlands and central Judean Hills. Further, this expansion seems to occur earlier than previously thought. Khirbet es-Sauma'a, situated in the central hill country just south of Tell el-Ful, was investigated by Father Joseph Nasralleh in the 1930s and shown to date to the Chalcolithic period. A wealth of flint implements were recovered from the site and promptly published, but, unfortunately, Nasralleh excluded other material culture, including the pottery assemblage. Based on repeated visits to the site and presentation of unpublished material, we suggest Khirbet es-Saumaca represents one of many sites signalling the exploitation of the hill country.