11,000 Years OLDER than Göbekli Tepe: 23,000-Year-Old Settlement & Early Cultivation?!

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Exploring the 23,000-Year-Old Settlement and Early Cultivation at Aol 2

1. Introduction to Aol 2:

   • Aol 2 is an ancient site in Northern Israel on the southwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
   • It is a significant ancient settlement dating back 23,000 years, making it 11,000 years older than Göbekli Tepe.

2. Discovery and Significance:

   • Aol 2 was a permanent settlement occupied year-round for many generations, showcasing early plant cultivation.
   • The site contains dwellings, organic materials, and evidence of plant cultivation, predating the onset of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent.

3. Archaeological Finds:

   • The site includes remains of six brush huts, hearths, a stone structure, a refuge heap, a grave, and various organic materials like charred seeds, fish, mammal and bird bones, flints, grinding stones, bone tools, ropes, and beads.

4. Plant Cultivation:

   • Aol 2 inhabitants relied on large grain cereals such as wild barley, wheat, and oats.
   • Analysis of 150,000 seeds and fruits from 150 species revealed the early stages of plant cultivation.

5. Animal Hunting and Fishing:

   • The settlement's inhabitants hunted gazelle, deer, fox, wild pig, and wild cattle, while also fishing in the nearby lake using nets.
   • A variety of birds were also captured, indicating a diverse diet.

6. Dwelling Structures:

   • The brush huts were up to 4.5 meters long with grass bedding made from local materials.
   • The dwellings were organized with specific features like lowered floors and brush walls made from local tree branches.

7. Cultural Practices:

   • The site shows evidence of symbolic behavior with the placement of stones, bowls with incisions, and deliberate burning of huts before abandonment.

8. Early Agriculture:

   • Aol 2 provides evidence of early cultivation practices, including the presence of domesticated plant scars, sickle blades with use wear, and the preparation of the ground for cultivation.

9. Transition to Sedentary Lifestyle:

   • The settlement's sedentary lifestyle and early cultivation practices suggest a natural evolution towards agriculture, despite the challenges of the last glacial maximum.

10. Legacy and Future Research:

    • Aol 2 offers insights into early human settlement patterns, cultivation practices, and the transition to sedentism.
    • Further research may reveal more about the development of agriculture and human societies during this period.

11. Conclusion:

    • Aol 2 stands as a remarkable archaeological site showcasing early human ingenuity and adaptation in plant cultivation, hunting, and settlement practices.
    • The site provides a glimpse into the transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to early agricultural practices, setting the stage for future societal developments.

By following these steps, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the 23,000-year-old settlement and early cultivation practices at Aol 2, shedding light on the ancient origins of agriculture and human settlement patterns.