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Archaeology/Ancient Near East fortifications during the Neolithic Period
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Question
Was the Neolithic period the first time that retaining walls were used in the Ancient Near East?
Derek
In the Levant, some late Epipaleolithic sites (Mallaha/Eynan, Hayonim Cave) have semi-subterranean hut foundations with rock lining. The Neolithic, or more particularly, Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (ca. 10,000-8000 BP), appears to be first time there are freestanding buildings with substantial stone walls. In Anatolia, freestanding walled buildings date to at least 10,000 BP (e.g., Catalhuyuk).
Cheers,
John Shea
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John J. Shea
Expertise
Questions about Old World prehistoric archaeology (mainly Europe, Near East, and Africa during the Paleolithic period/Pleistocene Epoch). IMPORTANT: I do not give advice about colleges. I do not appraise the value of artifacts or fossils.
Experience
University professor of anthropology/archaeology since 1991.
Dozens of publications in peer-review anthropology journals.
Director of archaeological-paleontological expeditions and excavations in Israel, Jordan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
See my main profile under Allexperts` "Anthropology" section.
Professional website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/staff/jshea.shtml
Personal website: http://www.sunysb.edu/anthro/Shea/Shea%20pers%20webpage.htm
Education/Credentials
>20 years as faculty at major research university
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