Nahal Zahal, an Early PPNB Site in the Northern Negev: A Preliminary Report on the First Excavation Season

The site of Nahal Zahal is located in Ramat Hovav (northern Negev). A salvage excavation carried out in March 2020 revealed an Early Pre-Pottery Neolithic B occupation (EPPNB; ca. 8600–8150 cal. BC), including at least one large, round structure with adjoining cells and installations, as well as a rich lithic assemblage. EPPNB evidence from the Negev is limited, including small hunter-gatherer occupations in and around the Negev Highlands (i.e., Abu Salem and Nahal Boqer) and campsites in the western Negev (i.e., Nahal Lavan 109). No radiometric dates are currently available for this phase in the region, and chronology is based on typological seriation. The excavations at Nahal Zahal provide invaluable information regarding EPPNB settlement and subsistence strategies. Exceptional preservation of organic material provides a unique opportunity to radiometrically date the occupation at the site and the EPPNB of the Negev in general.