Dating of Iron Age Agriculture in the Negev Highlands: A Response to Shahack-Gross and Finkelstein. Issue 4 (31st July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bruins, Hendrik J; van der Plicht, Johannes
• Is Part Of: Radiocarbon. Volume 59:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 1233
• Page End: 1239
• Publication Date: 2017-07-31
• Subjects: AMS dating, -- microarchaeology, -- Negev Desert, -- runoff/floodwater, -- terrace agriculture; Radiocarbon dating -- Periodicals; 930.1028505
• DOI: 10.1017/RDC.2017.57
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-8222

Abstract

Abstract: In this response to the reply by Shahack-Gross and Finkelstein (2017), we present additional data of our research at Horvat Haluqim. This includes phytolith percentages and multicellular phytolith stomata in a thin section of a layer in Terraced Field 12, dated by radiocarbon ( 14 C) to the Late Bronze–Early Iron Age. We also show thin-section evidence of aggrading sediment laminations in this terraced field. A new 14 C date is given of the Early Islamic Period in Terraced Field 7, as differences in terrace wall architecture are highlighted. We revisit the interpretation by Shahack-Gross and Finkelstein in relation to herd management. Our 14 C dates attest that terrace agriculture based on runoff/floodwater irrigation occurred in the Negev Highlands during several periods, including the Iron Age.